Doing Business in Azerbaijan Guide by Doing Business Guides

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Doing Business in Azerbaijan

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Who W ƐƚĂďůŝƐŚĞĚ ŝŶ ϭϵϵϲ͕ ZĂƉ grown over the years to become bec ag ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƌ ŽĨ ĞůĞĐƚƌŝĐĂů͕ ŝŶƐƚƌƌƵŵĞŶƚĂƟŽŶ͕ ŚǇĚƌĂƵůŝĐ͕ ŵĞĐŚĂŶŝĐĂů͕ ƚĞůĞĐŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ƚĞĐŚŶŝĐĂů ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ĂŶĚ ƚƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ͘ tĞ ŽīĞ īĞƌ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ Kŝů & Gas, Petrochemical, Hospitality, y, Agricultural, ŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟŽŶ͕ DĂƌŝƟŵĞ ĂŶ ŶĚ dĞ dĞůĞĐŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƟŽŶƐ industries. KǀĞƌ ƚŚĞ ƉĂƐƚ ƚǁŽ ĚĞĐĂĚĞĞƐ͕ ǁĞ ŚĂǀĞ ƐƵĐĐĞƐƐĨƵůůǇ ĐŽŵƉůĞƚĞĚ ŶƵ ƵŵĞƌŽƵƐ ŵŽĚŝĮĐĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ƵƉŐƌĂĚĞ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚƐ͕ ƵƟůŝƐŝŶŐ ŵƵůƟĚŝƐĐŝƉůŝŶĞ engineering teams to o deliver deliv these projects safely fely in challenging environmen nts all over the world. dŚŝƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞƐ ƚŚĞ ĂƐƉŝĂŶ ƌĞŐŝŽŶ͕ ĞŶƚƌĂů ƐŝĂ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ &Ăƌ ĂƐƚ͘ ƵƌŽƉĞ͕ ƚŚĞ DŝĚĚůĞ ĂƐƚ͕ ĨƌŝĐĂ͕

What We Do &&ƌŽŵ ĞŶŐŝŶĞĞƌŝŶŐ ŝ ŝ ĂŶĚ Ě ĚĞƐ Ě ƐŝŐŶ ŝ ƚŽ ƚ ŝŶƐƚĂůůĂƟŽŶ ŝ ƚ ůů Ɵ and maintenance, we provide a range of ƐƉĞĐŝĂůŝƐƚ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ƵƟůŝƐŝŶŐŐ ŽƵƌ ƚĞĐŚŶŝĐĂů ĞǆƉĞƌƟƐĞ͕ advanced technology and d close partner partnerships rship with KƌŝŐŝŶĂů ƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ DĂŶƵ ƵĨĂĐƚƵƌĞƌƐ ;K DƐͿ͘ KƵƌ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ƉŽƌƞŽ ƞŽůŝŽ ĐŽǀĞƌƐ ƌƐ ƚŚ ŚĞ ĨŽ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ĚŝƐĐŝƉůŝŶĞƐ and areas: ͻ ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌŝŶŐ ĞƐŝŐŶ ^ŽůƵ ƵƟŽŶƐ ͻ ůĞĐƚƌŝĐĂů Θ /ŶƐƚƌƵŵĞŶƚĂĂƟŽŶ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ͻ /d Θ dĞ dĞůĞĐŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƟŽŶ Ŷ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ͻ &ůƵŝĚ WŽǁĞƌ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ • Building Services ͻ WƌĞƐĞƌǀĂƟŽŶ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ • DŽƚŽƌ͕ƌ͕ sĂůǀĞ Ă Θ WƵŵƉ ZĞĞƉĂŝƌ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ • Pipeline Services ͻ &ŝƌĞ ^ĂĨĞƚǇ Θ ƵƚŽŵĂƟŽ ŽŶ • ^ƵƉƉůǇ ŚĂŝŶ DĂŶĂŐĞŵĞĞŶƚ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ͻ ŽŵƉ ǆ ĂŶĚ dĞ dĞĐŚŶŝĐĂů dƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ d

Our Core Values ZĂƉŝĚ ^ŽůƵƟŽŶƐ͛ ĐŽƌĞ ǀĂůƵĞƐ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ ŐƵŝĚŝŶŐ ƉƌŝŶĐŝƉůĞƐ ƚŽ ĞŵƉůŽǇĞĞƐ ĂŶĚ ŚĞůƉƐ ĚŝīĞƌĞŶƟĂƚĞ ŽƵƌ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ͘ Health, Safety & Environment tĞ ŵĂŬĞ ƐƵƌĞ ǁĞ ƉƌŽƚĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ ŚĞĂůƚŚ ĂŶĚ ƐĂĨĞƚǇ ŽĨ ĞǀĞƌǇŽŶĞ͕ ĂŶĚ ƉƌĞǀĞŶƟŶŐ ŚĂƌŵ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĞŶǀŝƌŽŶŵĞŶƚ ŝƐ ŽƵƌ ĐŽŵŵŝƚŵĞŶƚ͘ YƵĂůŝƚǇ Θ /ŶŶŽǀĂƟŽŶ tĞ ƐĞĞŬ ǀĂůƵĞ ĂĚĚŝŶŐ ƐŽůƵƟŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ƐƚƌŝǀĞ ƚŽ ĮŶĚ ǁĂǇƐ ƚŽ ĞǆĐĞĞĚ ŽƵƌ ĐƵƐƚŽŵĞƌ ͛Ɛ ĞǆƉĞĐƚĂƟŽŶƐ͘ Team SSpirit ZĞƐƉĞĐƟŶŐ͕ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƟŶŐ ĂŶĚ ĐŽůůĂďŽƌĂƟŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ ĞĂĐŚ ŽƚŚĞƌ ŝƐ ŚŽǁ ǁĞ ŐĞŶĞƌĂƚĞ ŐƌĞĂƚĞƌ ǀĂůƵĞ ĂŶĚ ĂĐŚŝĞǀĞ ŵƵƚƵĂů ƐƵĐĐĞƐƐ͘ Rapid Response tĞ ĂƌĞ ZĂƉŝĚ ^ŽůƵƟŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ǁĞ ŽƉĞƌĂƚĞ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ƐĞŶƐĞ ŽĨ ƵƌŐĞŶĐǇ͘ Integrity dŚĞ ĐƌƵǆ ŽĨ ŽƵƌ ƌĞƉƵƚĂƟŽŶ ŝƐ ĚŽŝŶŐ ǁŚĂƚ ǁĞ ƐĂǇ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶĚƵĐƟŶŐ ŽƵƌƐĞůǀĞƐ ĞƚŚŝĐĂůůǇ͘ Result Focused tĞ ĨŽĐƵƐ ŽŶ ƌĞƐƵůƚƐ͘ dŚŝƐ ŵĞĂŶƐ ĂůǁĂǇƐ ƵŶĚĞƌƐƚĂŶĚŝŶŐ ŽƵƌ ŐŽĂůƐ ĂŶĚ ƉůĂĐŝŶŐ ĞīŽƌƚƐ ƚŽ ŵĞĞƚ ƚŚĞŵ͘ &Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ǀŝƐŝƚ ŽƵƌ ǁĞďƐŝƚĞ͗ ǁǁǁ͘ƌĂƉŝĚͲƐŽůƵƟŽŶƐ͘ŶĞƚ

CONTENTS 8 Azerbaijan overview 10

Welcome from Lesley Batchelor OBE, FIEx (Grad) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Director General, Institute of Export & International Trade 11

Foreword from James Sharp, HM Ambassador to Azerbaijan 14

Introduction from John Patterson OBE, Chairman of the British Business Group Azerbaijan

Why Azerbaijan?

16 About the Department for International Trade (DIT) 18 About UK Export Finance (UKEF) 22 About this Guide

Why Azerbaijan?

24 Why Azerbaijan? 25 26 28 29

• • • • •

Summary Geography Political situation Economic overview UK and Azerbaijan trade

34 Help available for you 36

• Support from the British Business Group Azerbaijan (BBG) • Support from the UK Department for International Trade (DIT) • Support from the Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT)

42 Getting here and advice about your stay 43 44 46

• • • • •

Entry requirements Money Local laws and customs Safety and security Health

48 Sector–speciﬁc opportunities 49 50 51 52

• • • • • • • • •

Research Government tenders Education Energy Financial and professional services Global sports Information and communications technology (ICT) Infrastructure Retail

CONTENTS 34

56 Preparing to export 57 58 59 60

• Consultation and bespoke research • Start-up considerations • Other forms of business • Financial considerations

62 How to do business in Azerbaijan 63 64 66 68

• Legal considerations • Taxation • Customs and documentation • Shipping your goods

70 Business etiquette, language & culture 71 72

• Dress • Meeting and greeting • Language

78 What are the challenges? 80

• Challenges and risks when doing business in Azerbaijan • Business and human rights

www.Azerbaijan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

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CONTENTS Resources

84 85

Resources

What does membership of the Institute of Export & International Trade mean?

Supporting organisations contact details

Market experts contact details

Trade shows

Useful links

Focusing on qualifications. Lesley Batchelor OBE, FIEx (Grad) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Director General, Institute of Export & International Trade The British Embassy Baku

103 Map of Azerbaijan 106 Quick facts

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Azerbaijan overview

The Republic of Azerbaijan is located on the southern edge of the Caucasus Mountains in Transcaucasia, and borders Iran to the south, Armenia to the west, Georgia to the northwest, Russia to the north and the Caspian Sea to the east.

Azerbaijanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy expanded in the first half of 2018, with revived output in the services sector due to improved terms of trade. Azerbaijanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic performance should strengthen, helped by natural gas exports and a moderate acceleration in domestic demand.

If the oil price is maintained, the current account surplus is projected to average at 10% of the GDP until 2020. Non-oil sector growth is expected to average at 2.7% due to rising market confidence, which will allow improvements in the banking sector and a gradual recovery in investment, with inflation remaining below 3%.

The UK is the single largest investor in Azerbaijan and UK companies are well placed to increase business. There are currently more than 450 UK companies doing business in Azerbaijan. In addition to oil and gas, UK companies have been successful in areas such as construction management and design, retail and education.

MARKET EXPERTS

Thank you to our Market Experts

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Welcome from Lesley Batchelor OBE, FIEx (Grad) – Director General, Institute of Export & International Trade

This ‘Doing Business in Azerbaijan Guide’ introduces a significant market in the Caucasus with a 10 million-strong population and a government that is keen to diversify its economy. Formed as an independent nation in 1918, and gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Azerbaijan is neighboured by Georgia, Armenia, Russia and Iran. The country has long benefitted from the strength of its oil and gas industry as well as its close ties to Russia. It is a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), though not a member of the CIS free trade area. Ranked 25th in the World Bank’s ‘Doing Business’ rankings, and with GDP growth for 2019 predicted to be 1.8%, Azerbaijan is increasingly becoming an attractive market in the region for overseas businesses.

It is becoming less reliant on trade with Russia, with the EU now representing 48.6% of its overall trade, whilst trade with Turkey is also growing. Though Azerbaijan is not currently one of the UK’s more significant import or export markets, its government’s high spending on infrastructure projects, diversification strategies, and its nonetheless significant oil and gas industries all provide ample opportunity for the UK’s exporters and investors. Currently, services, technology, engineering equipment and oil machinery are among the UK’s top exports to Azerbaijan.

As with any country there are of course challenges to be overcome. Corruption remains a significant factor, so you’d do well to have clauses in your international terms and conditions covering the Bribery Act. Further, there are various tax and customs requirements you will need to meet, including 18% VAT on most imports and all consumer goods are subject to an import duty of 15%.

In terms of business culture, the official language is Azerbaijani, though Russian is still widely used, and English is often spoken and understood in the capital of Baku. Personal relationships are key to successful business partnerships in Azerbaijan, as companies are not particularly responsive to emails or phone calls. It is an Islamic country but is relatively liberal compared to some of its neighbours, with family playing a key role in Azerbaijani culture. A level of directness is appreciated in their business culture, though politeness and diplomacy are also well regarded. Patience is certainly important, as business decisions are mulled over carefully, and relationships can take a while to develop.

As ever, we at the Institute are more than happy to help you develop your export strategy to Azerbaijan, whether that’s through our qualifications, training, technical helpline or other membership services. Lesley Batchelor OBE, FIEx (Grad) Director General – Institute of Export & International Trade www.export.org.uk

Foreword from James Sharp, HM Ambassador to Azerbaijan

I am delighted to be asked to write a foreword to this excellent new guide, “Doing Business in Azerbaijan”.

The United Kingdom was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the Republic of Azerbaijan in 1992 and marked a new beginning in an extraordinarily successful partnership that has flourished ever since. We now enjoy a strong and growing diplomatic and economic relationship and, through regular engagement, work together closely to increase co-operation in all areas of mutual interest.

I’m proud to say that the UK is the largest single foreign direct investor in Azerbaijan, with over 450 British companies and around 4,000 British nationals in country. BP’s significant participation in the Azerbaijan energy sector is helping the country to maintain its role as one of the world’s major energy suppliers and diversify European energy supplies.

Although still very new to Azerbaijan, having taken up post in August 2019, I’m already struck by the scale of the UK/Azerbaijan commercial relationship, the number of British companies already competing here and the determined drive by the Azerbaijani Government to diversify the economy and to develop a number of key sectors outside of oil and gas. It goes without saying that oil and gas will remain the focal point of the Azerbaijan economy for many years to come. The signing of the “Contract of the Century” between BP and SOCAR in 1994, was truly a landmark decision for both our countries.

It set the scene for how Azerbaijan was looking to develop and how it could unlock the huge potential of its rich supply of natural resources on the Caspian Sea bed. Around 3 billion barrels (around 400 million tonnes) of oil have been pumped through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline since it came on stream in 2006.

The Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) network of pipelines is another extraordinary feat of engineering that, when complete in 2020, will export natural gas from the Caspian Sea to Italy.

BP and its partners have invested some US $72 billion in Azerbaijan’s oil and gas industry since 1994. The signing of the “Contract of the New Century” between BP and SOCAR in Baku in September 2017 holds the promise of even more to come over the next quarter of a century.

However, our bilateral relationship is multi-facetted and thriving in many fields. Renewables, the environment, healthcare, culture, mining, agriculture, tourism and security are just some of the areas in which we are working together, ably supported by the British Council helping with educational reform and vocational and English language training and our Joint Intergovernmental Commission (JIC) providing a solid structure for taking forward the prosperity of our respective nations. There is much to celebrate and to be proud of in our bilateral relationship as we build on a solid foundation to expand our ties even further in the years ahead.

James Sharp HM Ambassador to Azerbaijan

Contact: :ŽŚŶ WĂƩĞƌƐŽŶ͕ K >ĂŶĚŵĂƌŬ ƵŝůĚŝŶŐ ///͕ ϯƌĚ &ůŽŽƌ ϵϬ EŝǌĂŵŝ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ͕ ĂŬƵ dĞů͗ нϵϵϰ ϭϮ ϰϵϮ ϴϭϳϯ DŽď͗ нϵϵϰ ϱϬ Ϯϭϯ ϮϮϲϳ ͲŵĂŝů͗ ũƉĂƩĞƌƐŽŶΛŝϮŽīƐŚŽƌĞ͘ŶĞƚ ^ŬǇƉĞ͗ ũŽŚŶƉĂƩĞƌƐŽŶϳϵϱϴ

Introduction from John Patterson OBE, Chairman of the British Business Group Azerbaijan

The British Business Group was formed back in 1996, I believe to organise events in Baku that would allow British companies to network and meet other companies operating in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Initially it was formed of only British companies – i.e. those companies who had an office in the UK or British Nationals. However, as Azerbaijan became more organised, we now have a membership of British Nationals, companies and Azerbaijani registered companies who it is felt will benefit British companies by becoming members.

Our organisation hosts meetings regularly on a monthly basis – usually but not exclusively on the last Wednesday of the month. We also host an Annual Christmas Party, the highlight of the expat social calendar; the Poppy Ball, and as I write this we are organising with the British Embassy and British Council the Great British Welcome to Baku F1 – a 200 person event with George Russell, 2018’s F2 Champion and winner of the F2 Sprint Race in Baku in 2018 and now a Williams Grand Prix driver, as our special guest. Membership options for the BBG range from approximately £200 per year to £400 per year. This allows you free entry to all our events except for the Christmas Party and Poppy Ball.

Azerbaijan’s economy was originally oil based but more recently we have seen its gas reserves and gas production increase. The growth of the economy has not always been plain sailing and as such we are in a period of reform, the aim of which is to make setting up and doing business in Azerbaijan less bureaucratic and much easier, whilst encouraging growth in other sectors of the economy (away from oil and gas). This is evident in tourism with the relaxation of the tourist visa rules, and agriculture, including the construction of irrigation systems and greenhouses on the Absheron peninsula and the rebirth of the Azerbaijan wine industry as well as the construction of IT parks. The setting up in 1998 of the State Oil Fund of the Azerbaijan Republic has allowed Azerbaijan to have a solid base financially and as such, with a stable political situation, the main macro-economic situation is sound. The British Business Group is able to introduce you to Azerbaijan to help you understand the country, what it is like and how it works, and as such please feel free to contact us, if only to attend one of our meetings.

John Patterson OBE Chairman of the British Business Group Azerbaijan www.bbgaz.co.uk

Department for International Trade (DIT) DIT is the British Government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in an increasingly global economy. DIT also helps overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy. DITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s range of expert services are tailored to the needs of individual businesses to maximise their international success. DIT provides companies with knowledge, advice and practical support. Through a range of unique services, including participation at selected tradeshows, outward trade missions and providing bespoke market intelligence, DIT can help you crack foreign markets and get to grips quickly with overseas regulations and business practice.

With headquarters in London, DIT have professional advisers around the UK and staff across more than 100 countries. Contact DIT

Contact your local International Trade Team or Scottish Development International (SDI), Welsh Government (WG) or Invest Northern Ireland (INI) offices to find out more about the range of services available to you. You can find your nearest International Trade Team at:

https://www.great.gov.uk/contact/office-finder/ General enquiry number: +44 (0) 207 215 5000 Department for International Trade 3 Whitehall Place London SW1A 2AW United Kingdom Email: enquiries@trade.gov.uk

WHO MADE SURE THE SHOW WENT ON FOR A THEATRE COMPANY IN THE MIDDLE EAST? Without support from UK Export Finance, White Light wouldn’t have been able to take on a major contract for a theme park in the Middle East. Working with their bank we were able to provide a government-backed guarantee. This freed up White Light’s working capital to take on the contract, which in turn boosted their revenues by over 20%. TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT GREAT.GOV.UK/GET-FINANCE AND DISCOVER THE EXPORTERS’ EDGE.

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To check your eligibility for trade finance and insurance Yisit: www.great.gov.uk/WUDGH-finance

UK Export Finance is the operating name of the Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD)

Website: www.gov.uk/uk-export-finance Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7271 8010 Email: customer.service@ukexportfinance.gov.uk

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About International Market Advisor (IMA)

International Market Advisor (IMA) works with British and foreign government departments, Embassies, High Commissions and international Chambers of Commerce throughout the world. Our work helps to identify the most efficient ways for British companies to trade with and invest in opportunity-rich overseas markets.

During the last ten years IMA has worked with the British Government's overseas trade and investment department, the Department for International Trade (DIT) [formerly UK Trade & Investment (UKTI)], and has written, designed, produced, launched and distributed over one million copies of more than 100 countryspecific print and multi-media based reports, guides and publications, including the internationally recognised ‘Doing Business Guide’ series of trade publications.

These are composed of market and industry sector-specific, multi-format print and digital trade reports, together with some of the internet’s most visited international trade websites – all of which are designed to advise and assist UK companies looking to trade with and invest in overseas markets. These reports and guides are then distributed free-ofcharge through the IMA and DIT global networks – over 500 distribution outlets in total. Further distribution takes place at global exhibitions, roadshows, conferences and trade missions, and IMA receives daily requests for additional copies of the guides from these networks and from businesses considering exporting. Each of IMA’s 'Doing Business Guides’ is produced in three formats: a full colour, glossy, paper-based brochure; a supporting fully-interactive and updatable multi-media based website; and the website contents available as a free-ofcharge downloadable smartphone/ tablet app.

The guides’ contents focus on the market in question, how to approach that market and the help and support available, and include informative market overviews, plus details of business opportunities, listings with website links to British and Foreign Government support services and essential private sector serviceprovider profiles.

Sponsoring a ‘Doing Business Guide’ therefore offers a unique opportunity to positively promote your products and services to high-profile business leaders, specific exporters, investors and effective business travellers who will be actively seeking out service providers to assist them in developing their business interests in the targeted markets.

For more information on IMA please visit our website:

www.DoingBusinessGuides.com Contact IMA Office address

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General enquiries switchboard T: +44 (0) 1298 79562

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ABOUT THIS GUIDE

This guide aims to provide a route map of the way ahead, together with signposts to other sources of help.

The main objective of this Doing Business in Azerbaijan Guide is to provide you with basic knowledge about Azerbaijan; an overview of its economy, business culture, potential opportunities and to identify the main issues associated with initial research, market entry, risk management and cultural and language issues. We do not pretend to provide all the answers in the guide, but novice exporters in particular will find it a useful starting point. Further assistance is available from the Department for International Trade (DIT) team in Azerbaijan. Full contact details are available in this guide.

To help your business succeed in Azerbaijan we have carefully selected a variety of essential service providers as ‘Market Experts’. The guide is available in 4 formats: •

• •

•

this full colour hard-copy brochure

a ‘free’ downloadable 'mobile device-friendly’ app – available from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store

the website: www.Azerbaijan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

PDF download/e-flipbook (available to download from the guide website)

Doing Business in Azerbaijan Guide Team: Project Director:

Craig Smith

Sponsorship Managers:

James Clowes / Cheryl Hughes

Managing Editors:

Creative Managers:

Creative Consultants:

Production Co-ordinator:

Olivia Taylor / Brian Underwood Paul King / Claire King

Twistedgifted / www.twistedgifted.com

Megan Collingwood / Kitty Waldron-Draba

www.Azerbaijan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

Printed using materials from sustainable sources

‘Doing Business in Azerbaijan Guide’ published in the UK by International Market Advisor Ltd. © 2019 International Market Advisor Ltd (unless otherwise stated). All rights reserved. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Fizuli Park, Baku

AzERBAIJAn

Azerbaijan has grown rapidly in recent years, mainly due to its oil revenues. Consequently, poverty in Azerbaijan has reduced from 50% to below 6% in just ten years

WHY AzERBAIJAn?

Why Azerbaijan?

Summary Area: 86,600 km2

GDP per capita: US $4,569.2

Population: 9.9 million

Annual inﬂation rate: 2.3%

Urban population: 55.3%

Unemployment rate: 5%

Population density: 119.3 people per km2

General government gross debt: 19.4% of GDP

Population growth rate (change): 1.2%

Fiscal balance: 4% of GDP

Capital city: Baku

Current account balance: US $5.7 billion/12.6% of GDP

Oﬃcial language: Azerbaijani

Exports of goods to UK: £94 million

Currency: Azerbaijani Manat (AZN)

Exports of services to UK: £129 million

nominal GDP: US $45.4 billion

Imports of goods from UK: £199 million

Real annual GDP growth: 1.4%

Imports of services from UK: £265 million

[Source – FCO Economics Unit, World Bank]

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Azerbaijan has grown rapidly in recent years, mainly due to its oil revenues. Consequently, poverty in Azerbaijan has reduced from 50% to below 6% in just ten years. However, since the recent collapse of oil prices, the oil-dominated economy and the national currency (Manat) have come under increasing pressure. The Azerbaijan Central Bank devalued the Manat twice in 2015, which hit the banking sector hard. Oil and gas still dominate the economy, but the Azerbaijani Government is trying to diversify, with consolidation of the banking sector now in progress following a recession in 2016.

Much of the country, including the fertile lowlands of the centre and the highly populated eastern coast, has a dry subtropical climate with mild winters and summer temperatures sometimes reaching over 40oC. The climate of other regions ranges from humid subtropical with high precipitation in the southeast, to an upland tundra climate above 3,000 m where heavy snowfalls make mountain passes inaccessible for some months each year.

[Source – FCO Overseas Business Risk, gov.uk]

Azerbaijan’s political system functions as a republic based upon a dual executive structure. Powers are therefore exercised through the President, who holds the position of head of state, and the Prime Minister as the head of government. Legislative authority is based within the institution of government in the National Assembly.

Geography About the size of Scotland, the Republic of Azerbaijan is located on the southern edge of the Caucasus Mountains in Transcaucasia, and borders Iran to the south, Armenia to the west, Georgia to the northwest, Russia to the north and the Caspian Sea to the east. It also has a small exclave, Nakhichevan, to the southwest bordering Iran, Armenia and Turkey. The northern border of the country runs along the Greater Caucasus mountain range, reaching a height of 4,406 m. The centre of the country is a relatively ﬂat fertile basin and to the southwest and southeast are the Lesser Caucasus and Talysh mountain ranges, the former reaching a height of almost 4,000 m. The east of the country borders the Caspian Sea with the most densely populated region in the Abșeron Peninsula, including the ancient capital and port of Baku.

Political situation

More information detailing the delegation of powers within Azerbaijan’s political system can be found on the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan site: https://en.president.az/ president/power and on the National Assembly website: http://www.meclis.gov.az/?/az/ topcontent/2. İlham Aliyev, the current President of Azerbaijan, has successfully campaigned and won three elections since 2003 – securing more than 75% of the popular vote in each. The ruling party, the New Azerbaijan Party (Yeni Azərbaycan Partiyası) promotes within its Charter the values of secularism, democracy and constitutional legalism (see: http://www. yap.org.az/en/view/pages/8). Alongside these stated values there is a strong commitment to

developing the market economy and free ownership within Azerbaijan. Opposition parties also tend towards supporting free enterprise and liberal economic reform – normally upon a programme of pan-Turkism or pan-Islamism. However, despite the presence of a multiparty system within Azerbaijan, opposition groups often challenge the legitimacy of elections and their access to equal media coverage. A strong emphasis is placed by the Azerbaijani Government upon maintaining strong regional relations with its neighbours and allies both in Asia and in Europe. This is particularly due to Azerbaijan’s perceived position as the geographical bridge between two continents. Turkey, in particular, is considered to be its closest ally, with the former president, Heydar Aliyev, describing the Turkey-Azerbaijan relationship as ‘one nation with two states’. The government’s commitment to building its regional acumen as a trans-continental economic hub is the infrastructure investment directed towards developing cross-border transport links. Since March 2019, the Gazvin–Rasht railway has been launched as part of a trilateral project between Azerbaijan, Russia and Iran to increase the trade connectivity of countries along the North-South Transport Corridor. See: http://www.mincom.gov.az/en /view/pages/104/ for further information. The joining up of rail routes between these countries has relied upon connecting potential cargo transport routes through Northern Iran. As a result of this project’s proposed development, the year 2018 saw a 74% increase in bilateral trade with Iran. As the North-South Transport Corridor develops, the government hopes to remain a key sponsor

and is committed to progressing towards a joined-up regional plan to create jobs and boost Azerbaijan’s exports in goods. The war in Nagorno-Karabakh between 1988 and 1994 resulted in around 750,000 internally displaced persons and no control of over 20% of Azerbaijan’s internationally recognised territory. Despite a ceaseﬁre and ongoing peace negotiations led by the OSCE Minsk Group since 1994, there are still regular incidents along the front line, and tensions have increased in recent years. You should check the FCO foreign travel advice at: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-traveladvice/azerbaijan for the latest travel information. [Source – FCO Overseas Business Risk, gov.uk, gov.az, president.az, yap.org.az]

Economic overview Azerbaijan’s economy expanded in the first half of 2018 with revived output in the services sector due to improved terms of trade. Due to higher exports to the Russian Federation, agricultural output expanded by 6.5% yearon-year. However, in part due to the completion of works in Azerbaijan’s major gas fields, the construction sector continued to contract during the first half of 2018. Following higher oil prices and a stabilisation of oil production, together with strong agricultural exports, the current account surplus increased to an estimated 8% of GDP in the first half of 2018. Following the recession in 2015-16 and two years of decline with annual inflation at between 13% and 16%, credit growth in the banking system increased by 3% and annual

inflation moderated to 2.3% in the first half of 2018. In addition, the Azerbaijan Central Bank cut the policy rate twice in 2018 from 13% to 10% and the government has adopted a new fiscal rule, a new debt management strategy and new procedures for medium-term budgeting setting spending growth limits. Economic growth In the medium-term, Azerbaijan’s economic performance should strengthen, helped by natural gas exports and a moderate acceleration in domestic demand. If the oil price is maintained, the current account surplus is projected to average at 10% of the GDP until 2020. Non-oil sector growth is expected to average at 2.7% due to rising market confidence, which will allow improvements in the banking sector and a gradual recovery in investment, with inflation remaining below 3%. Import growth is expected to accelerate owing to a further real appreciation of the Manat, with fiscal spending rising steadily, although uncertainty in global markets could be a concern. Recent debt management legislation should support efforts toward budgetary restraint, and, if oil prices remain stable, the fiscal balance over the medium-term is projected to remain in surplus. GDP growth will remain largely dependent on developments in the oil and gas sectors, and the country is expected to come out of the recession as the Shah Deniz II gas field comes into operation and a new gas pipeline to transport the gas to Europe is constructed in 2019.

As part of its diversiﬁcation of non-oil sectors, the government has a new economic strategy, ‘Azerbaijan 2020: Outlook for the Future’, with the objective of diversifying the economy, increasing exports and reducing poverty. See: https://president.az/ﬁles/future_en.pdf for further details. According to its latest World Economic Outlook report, the IMF’s projection for Azerbaijan’s Real GDP is a 3.6% change for 2019. See: https://www.imf.org/en/Countries /AZE. [Source – DIT Trade and Investment guide: Azerbaijan, FCO Overseas Business Risk, gov.uk, president.az, World Bank, IMF World Economic Outlook Report]

World rankings In addition: •

•

In Transparency International's latest 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index (announced Jan 2019), Azerbaijan is ranked 152nd out of 180 countries (the UK ranks 11th): https://www.transparency.org/country /AZE Azerbaijan is ranked 25th out of 190 countries in the World Bank’s 2019 Ease of Doing Business Index (the UK ranks 9th): http://www.doingbusiness.org/ en/data/exploreeconomies/azerbaijan The World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2018-19 ranks Azerbaijan 69th out of 140: http://reports. weforum.org/global-competitivenessreport-2018/country-economy-proﬁles/ #economy=AZE Azerbaijan is ranked 60th out of 180 countries in the Heritage Foundation’s

2019 Index of Economic Freedom (the UK ranks 7th): https://www.heritage.org/ index/country/azerbaijan •

Azerbaijan ranks 80th out of 189 countries in the 2018 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Gender Inequality Index (GII): http://hdr.undp.org/en/ countries/proﬁles/AZE

Contact a DIT Export Adviser at: https:// www.great.gov.uk/contact/triage/location/ for a free consultation if you are interested in exporting to Azerbaijan. Contact UK Export Finance (UKEF) about trade ﬁnance and insurance cover for UK companies. You can also check the current UKEF cover position for Azerbaijan. See: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/country-coverpolicy-and-indicators#azerbaijan. [Source – DIT, UKEF, gov.uk]

UK and Azerbaijan trade The UK is the single largest investor in Azerbaijan and UK companies are well placed to increase business. There are currently more than 450 UK companies doing business in Azerbaijan. In addition to oil and gas, UK companies have been successful in areas such as construction management and design, retail and education. The total value of UK exports to Azerbaijan in 2017-18 reached nearly £464 million, with the main exports from the UK including services, technology, engineering equipment and oil machinery.

www.Azerbaijan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

Benefits for UK businesses Beneﬁts for UK businesses exporting to Azerbaijan include: •

new diversiﬁcation strategy

•

high government spending on infrastructure projects

Strengths of the market Strengths of the Azerbaijan market include: •

rapidly changing country

•

a strategic location as a gateway between Europe, the Middle East and Asia

[Source – DIT Trade and Investment guide: Azerbaijan, gov.uk]

Employment law The representative office of one of the multinational companies operating in the oil-gas industry of Azerbaijan had difficulties with implementation of local labour laws in terms of setting out working regimes for its on/off - shore employees, likewise, revision of already existing employment agreements and internal procedures in line with the newly introduced system of e-registration of labour agreements.

BACG legal team has been able to work out flexible working regimes based on needs of each department of the Representative Office alongside providing legal and written consultations by handling contentious matters in the process of implementation of newly introduced working regimes. Our lawyers specialise in labour law successfully to continue to provide legal reviews and consultations to the Representative Office on employment law, payroll calculation and other matters concerning labour legislation and human resources management.

IPRs A well-known national publishing house being an oﬃcial distribution of foreign literature and teaching materials in the Republic of Azerbaijan had diﬃculty in struggling against distribution of pirate materials brought into the country illegally.

BACG was able to eﬀectively pursue the case before the Copyright Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and achieved successful completion of a judicial proceeding with issuance of a judgment favouring the publishing house’s claim and prohibiting illegal distribution of pirate goods within the country. In addition, BACG had successfully represented the company before the Customs Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan in preparation of necessary documentation for struggling against importation of counterfeited products.

Construction & Permits A multinational corporation was given a US Government contract to complete the construction and commissioning of several biosafety laboratories (Safety Level-II) built by a previous government contractor. As the project unfolded, the company discovered the laboratories were not built in compliance with all Government of Azerbaijan legal requirements and it appeared the commissioning would be an impossible mission.

BACG was able to work with the relevant agencies of the Government of Azerbaijan to retroactively acquire the necessary permits and authorisations. Within a short period time, the laboratories had all legal approvals and were ready for commissioning. Baku Consulting Group-2011 LLC | Azerbaijan, Baku, AZ1014, 56A, Bul-Bul Avenue, 4th Floor Tel: (+99412) 497 89 65/66 | Fax: (+99412) 497 89 66 | Email: info@bacg.az | www.bacg.az

AzERBAIJAn

Taking part in overseas exhibitions is an effective way for you to test markets, attract customers, appoint agents or distributors and make sales.

Government House of Azerbaijan, Baku

HELP AVAILABLE FOR YOU

ZĂƉŝĚ ^ŽůƵƟŽŶƐ ^ƵĐĐĞƐƐ ^ƚŽƌǇ /ŶƐƚĂůůĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ s^ d͕ dĞůĞƉŚŽŶǇ ĂŶĚ ds ƐǇƐƚĞŵƐ ĂĐŬŐƌŽƵŶĚ dŚĞ W ŚŝƌĂŐϭ ƉůĂƞŽƌŵ ŚĂƐ Ă ƉĞƌŵĂŶĞŶƚ ĮƌĞĮŐŚƟŶŐ ǀĞƐƐĞů ͚dŽƉĂǌ ŝŐŶŝƚǇ͛ ĂƐ ƐƚĂŶĚďǇ ĐŽǀĞƌ͘ dŚŝƐ ĐŽǀĞƌ ĞŶĂďůĞƐ ďŽƵŶĚĂƌǇ ĐŽŽůŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ĂĐĐŽŵŵŽĚĂƟŽŶ ĂƌĞĂ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶĂů ĞƐĐĂƉĞ ƟŵĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĞǀĞŶƚ ŽĨ Ă ĮƌĞ͘ dŚĞ ǀĞƐƐĞů ĂůƐŽ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ ĂƉƉƌŽǆŝŵĂƚĞůǇ ϮϬ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶĂů ďĞĚƐ ĨŽƌ ǁŽƌŬ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ƉůĂƞŽƌŵ͘ EŽ ĨĂĐŝůŝƚǇ ĨŽƌ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĞƚ Žƌ ƚĞůĞƉŚŽŶĞ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƟŽŶ ǁĂƐ ŝŶ ƉůĂĐĞ͘ /ED Z^ d ƉŚŽŶĞƐ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ǀĞƐƐĞů ĂůůŽǁĞĚ ĞŵĞƌŐĞŶĐǇ ĐĂůůƐ ŽŶůǇ ƚŽ ĂŶĚ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ ǀĞƐƐĞů Ăƚ Ă ŚŝŐŚ ĐŽƐƚ͘

WƌŽũĞĐƚ KǀĞƌǀŝĞǁ ZĂƉŝĚ ^ŽůƵƟŽŶƐ ĚĞǀŝƐĞĚ Ă ƐŽůƵƟŽŶ ƚŽ ĂůůŽǁ ƵŶƌĞƐƚƌŝĐƚĞĚ ĂŶĚ ƌĞůŝĂďůĞ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƟŽŶƐ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ƚŚĞ ǀĞƐƐĞů ĂŶĚ ƐŚŽƌĞ͗ ͻ ,ŝŐŚ ƐƉĞĞĚ tŝͲ&ŝ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƟŽŶ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚŽƵƚ͘

ͻ dĞůĞƉŚŽŶǇ ƐǇƐƚĞŵ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƚĞĚ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĂŬƵ ƉƵďůŝĐ ƐǁŝƚĐŚĞĚ ƚĞůĞƉŚŽŶĞ ŶĞƚǁŽƌŬ ;W^dEͿ ^ĂƚĞůůŝƚĞ ds ƌĞĐĞƉƟŽŶ͘ ͻ /ŶƚĞŐƌĂƚĞĚ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƟŽŶ ƐǇƐƚĞŵ ĐŽŶƐŝƐƟŶŐ ŽĨ ǁŝƌĞůĞƐƐ͕ ƐĂƚĞůůŝƚĞ ;ƌĂĚŝŽͿ ĂŶĚ ƚĞůĞƉŚŽŶĞ ůŝŶĞƐ ĂůůŽǁŝŶŐ ĐŽŶǀĞƌŐĞŶĐĞ ŽĨ ƚĞůĞƉŚŽŶĞ ŶĞƚǁŽƌŬƐ ǁŝƚŚ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĞƚ ŶĞƚǁŽƌŬƐ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ Ă ƐŝŶŐůĞ ůŝŶĞ ƐǇƐƚĞŵ͘ ǆĞĐƵƟŽŶͬ<ĞǇ ,ŝŐŚůŝŐŚƚƐ ͻ ^ĂĨĞƚǇ ǁĂƐ ĞŵƉŚĂƐŝƐĞĚ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚŽƵƚ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚ ŐŝǀĞŶ ƚŚĞ ŚĂǌĂƌĚŽƵƐ ĂĐƟǀŝƟĞƐ ĞŐ͘ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ Ăƚ ŚĞŝŐŚƚ͕ ůŝŌŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ǁĞůĚŝŶŐ͘ dŚŝƐ ŵĞĂŶƚ ĐůŽƐĞůǇ ĐŽůůĂďŽƌĂƟŶŐ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ W ĂŶĚ h ĂƐƉŝĂŶ ƚĞĂŵƐ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ Ăůů ƉŚĂƐĞƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚ͘ ͻ ZĂƉŝĚ ^ŽůƵƟŽŶƐ ŚĂĚ ƚŽ ƉůĂŶ ĞǀĞƌǇ ĂƐƉĞĐƚ ŽĨ ŝŵƉůĞŵĞŶƚĂƟŽŶ ƚŽ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ƚŚĞ ƐŽůƵƟŽŶ ǁĂƐ ŝŶ ƉůĂĐĞ ďĞĨŽƌĞ ƚŚĞ ǀĞƐƐĞů ƐĂŝůĞĚ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚ ĐŽƵůĚ ŽŶůǇ ďĞ ĞǆĞĐƵƚĞĚ ǁŚĞŶ ƚŚĞ ǀĞƐƐĞů ǁĂƐ ŝŶ ƉŽƌƚ͘

ͻ ƵĞ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƐŚŽƌƚ ƐŚŽƌĞ ƟŵĞ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͕ ƋƵĂůŝƚǇ ƉůĂŶŶŝŶŐ ǁĂƐ ĐƌŝƟĐĂů ƚŽ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ƚŚĂƚ ƚŚĞ ĐŽƌƌĞĐƚ ĞƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ ǁĂƐ ƉƌŽĐƵƌĞĚ ĂŶĚ ƌĞĐĞŝǀĞĚ ŝŶ ƟŵĞ͘ ƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ ǁĂƐ ŝŶƐƉĞĐƚĞĚ ĂŶĚ ƚĞƐƚĞĚ ƉƌŝŽƌ ƚŽ ĚĞůŝǀĞƌǇ ĂŶĚ ŝŶƐƚĂůůĂƟŽŶ ƚŽ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ ŽŶůǇ ĞƐƐĞŶƟĂů ǁŽƌŬ ǁĂƐ ĐĂƌƌŝĞĚ ŽƵƚ ŽŶͲďŽĂƌĚ ƚŚĞ ǀĞƐƐĞů͘

ZĞƐƵůƚƐ ĂŶĚ ŽƩŽŵ >ŝŶĞ /ŵƉĂĐƚ dŚĞ ƐŽůƵƟŽŶ ĞŶĂďůĞĚ ƌĞůŝĂďůĞ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƟŽŶƐ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ƚŚĞ ǀĞƐƐĞů ĂŶĚ ƐŚŽƌĞ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ĐŽƐƚ ŽĨ ƵƐŝŶŐ /D Z^ d ƉŚŽŶĞƐ ǁĂƐ ƌĞĚƵĐĞĚ ƐŝŐŶŝĮĐĂŶƚůǇ͘ ƌĞǁ ĂŶĚ ƉĞƌƐŽŶŶĞů ŽŶͲďŽĂƌĚ ƚŚĞ ǀĞƐƐĞů ĂƌĞ ŶŽǁ ĂďůĞ ƚŽ͗

ͻ ĐĐĞƐƐ ƚŚĞ W ŶĞƚǁŽƌŬ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ŝŶƚĞƌŶĞƚ ǀŝĂ ƚŚĞ ŚŝŐŚ ƐƉĞĞĚ tŝͲ&ŝ ĨƌŽŵ ĂŶǇ ůŽĐĂƟŽŶ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ǀĞƐƐĞů͘ ͻ DĂŬĞ ŐŽŽĚ ƋƵĂůŝƚǇ ĂŶĚ ƌĞůŝĂďůĞ ĐĂůůƐ ƚŽ ůĂŶĚůŝŶĞƐ ŝŶ ĂŬƵ ;ĨƌĞĞ ŽĨ ĐŚĂƌŐĞͿ͘ ͻ tĂƚĐŚ Ă ƌĂŶŐĞ ŽĨ ƉŽƉƵůĂƌ ds ĐŚĂŶŶĞůƐ ŝŶ ĚŝīĞƌĞŶƚ ůĂŶŐƵĂŐĞƐ͘

Help available for you

Support from the British Business Group Azerbaijan (BBG) The British Business Group (BBG) is an association or club of British business people. The British Business Group in Azerbaijan was set up in 1999 to encourage the development of British business in Azerbaijan and now is the region’s foremost business-to-business membership networking group, enabling likeminded professionals to further their business interests in Azerbaijan. The aims of the group are typically to encourage trade with the host country and to provide a social environment for business networking. The British Business Group are honoured to work closely with the UK and Azerbaijani Governments to provide support, counsel and advice to British businesses in Azerbaijan, as well as those seeking to establish a commercial foothold in Azerbaijan. They are a valuable source of networking, information and links for businesses seeking to expand their operations. With a membership of more than 100 companies, one of the group’s prime objectives is communication with businessmen and women in the UK and Azerbaijan, policymakers and decision-makers in government and business in the UK and Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani leadership and inﬂuencers as well as other British business groups.

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ﬁrst time exporters (FTEs)

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small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

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medium-sized businesses (MSBs)

Business opportunities If you are a UK-registered company you can beneﬁt from a unique programme, ‘Exporting is GREAT’, presenting real-time export opportunities that you can apply for online. This is part of the drive to signiﬁcantly increase the number of UK companies exporting. ‘Exporting is GREAT’ is part of the UK Government’s GREAT campaign, and presents live export opportunities to UK businesses across a range of media outlets and digital channels. Hundreds of these export opportunities, with a potential total value of more than £300 million, are hosted on: https://www.great.gov.uk/. Selling online overseas Use this service to help choose a suitable online marketplace to sell your products overseas. You can: •

ﬁnd major online marketplaces in other countries

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see whether these online marketplaces are suitable to sell your products

• Support from the UK Department for International Trade (DIT)

discover how to list your products on an online marketplace

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The UK Department for International Trade (DIT) provides tailored support packages for companies who are:

get information about costs of listing on the marketplace and how logistics are fulﬁlled

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access special terms negotiated by the UK Government

[Source – The British Business Group (BBG)]

DIT E-Exporting Programme DIT’s E-Exporting Programme aims to help you get your brand to millions of global consumers and grow your business through online exports. DIT’s E-Exporting Programme helps you if you are a UK company: •

new to selling online

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already selling online, but need help with speciﬁc issues

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experienced in online sales, but are looking to sell on multiple platforms globally

The programme enables you to: •

arrange a free meeting through your local DIT oﬃce to get expert international trade advice and support, and access to DIT’s global network of contacts. See: https://www.great.gov.uk/contact/ triage/location/

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meet a Digital Trade Adviser where relevant, to help you develop and implement an international online strategy

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set up on e-marketplaces quickly and also identify new e-marketplaces around the world

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access better-than-commercial rates to list on some e-marketplaces, including lower commission fees and ‘try for free’ periods. See: https://www.gov.uk/ guidance/e-exporting#preferentialrates

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access the ‘E-Expertise Bank’, a community of over 175 B2B/B2C service providers oﬀering free advice. See: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/e-exporting #eexpertise

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join DIT’s mailing list for opportunities to hear from industry experts, network with like-minded individuals and ﬁnd out about e-commerce trends

Find-a-buyer service This is the place to let international buyers know all about your business – highlight the vital facts about your company to give buyers confidence to get in touch; show off your company's experience and outstanding projects to give potential buyers more insight; get emails from international buyers straight to your sales or business development teams; see relevant government-supported export development events where overseas buyers will be attending. Events and missions Taking part in overseas exhibitions is an effective way for you to test markets, attract customers, appoint agents or distributors and make sales. DIT's Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) provides grant support for eligible SMEs to attend trade shows overseas. Participation is usually as part of a group – a great advantage for inexperienced businesses – and is usually led by one of DIT's Accredited Trade Associations (ATOs). ATOs work with DIT to raise the profile of UK groups and sectors at key exhibitions. The DIT calendar of events has some 400 core events and missions, and 1,000 opportunities across the Tradeshow Access Programme and the English national regions. DIT Events Portal The DIT Events Portal provides a single calendar view of all DIT events and missions, and has been developed to provide you with more detailed information on each event in order to help you decide on the most appropriate event to attend. The calendar can be filtered and searched by sector and/ or market.

www.Azerbaijan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

There are also detailed events websites which include more information about each event, and also allow you to register for an event. The DIT Events Portal is your central hub for business and networking opportunities. Search for future events and missions in Azerbaijan, register online and network with fellow delegates. See: https://www.events. great.gov.uk/ehome/index.php?eventid=2001 83029&. DIT webinars The DIT webinar service runs hundreds of free hour-long internet events covering topics, sectors and countries around the world, helping you shape your export plan. These events allow you to interact with the experts in speciﬁc sectors and countries and allow you to ask questions to enhance your knowledge. To see upcoming DIT webinars, please visit: https://www.events.great.gov.uk/ehome/index .php?eventid=200183029& and search for webinars. Other DIT services DIT assists new and experienced exporters with information, help and advice on entering overseas markets such as Azerbaijan. These services include: •

an Export Health Check to assess your company’s readiness for exporting and help develop a plan of action

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training in the requirements for trading overseas

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access to an experienced local International Trade Adviser

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help to grow your business through online exports

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specialist help with tackling cultural issues when communicating with Azerbaijan customers and partners

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advice on how to go about market research and the possibility of a grant towards approved market research projects

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ongoing support to help you continue to develop overseas trade, and look at dealing with more sophisticated activities or markets

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information, contacts, advice, mentoring and support from DIT staﬀ in the UK and Azerbaijan

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support to participate in trade fairs in Azerbaijan

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opportunities to participate in sectorbased trade missions and seminars

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access to major buyers, local government and supply chains in Azerbaijan

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advice on forming international joint ventures and partnerships

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exploratory visits to Azerbaijan

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alerts to the latest and best business opportunities

To ﬁnd out more about commissioning any of these services, contact a DIT Export Adviser at: https://www.great.gov.uk/contact/ triage/location/ for a free consultation, or see further details at: https://www.gov.uk/ government/organisations/department-forinternational-trade/about-our-services.

In-market support If you already export, and have decided Azerbaijan is part of your business strategy, you are advised to contact DIT at the British Embassy Baku prior to your visit to discuss your objectives and what help you may need. See: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations /department-for-international-trade-azerbaijan #contact-us. They can provide a range of Azerbaijan-speciﬁc services for you, including the provision of market information, validated lists of agents /potential partners, key market players or potential customers; establishing interest from such contacts; and arranging in-market appointments. In addition, they can also organise events for you to meet contacts in Azerbaijan, or to promote your company and your products/services.

compliance issues, insurance issues, payment terms, transport and logistics. Members get free access to our experts via a technical helpline. See: https://www. export.org.uk/page/Export_Helpline. •

A voice for your ideas and concerns. We represent your point of view and feed back to government, HMRC and other inﬂuencing bodies on issues that impact you, plus participate in Institute responses to central government with regard to proposed legislative changes.

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A complete range of international trade qualifications – for those that have no experience, up to those who wish to qualify themselves to take a business degree. The Institute's qualifications are widely recognised as providing both employers and employees with the necessary international business practice linked to satisfying career planning and development. See: https://www.export. org.uk/page/qualifications.

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A range of short courses giving you the skills and expertise you need to gain a competitive advantage in the challenging and complex world of export, import and international trade. See: https://www. export.org.uk/page/TrainingCourses.

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An extensive events programme to help you share information and connect at every level in the international trade community, whether it is sector-speciﬁc or regional. See: https://www.export.org. uk/events/event_list.asp.

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Inclusion in surveys to research the attitudes and changes to world trade.

For further information about DIT services, see: https://www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/department-for-internationaltrade/about-our-services. [Source – DIT, gov.uk]

Support from the Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) Raising the profile of international trade qualifications and experienced members is only part of how IOE&IT membership is essential for any individual or business involved with global trade. Importantly, the IOE&IT also offer access to a unique range of benefits and services specific to international trade: •

Help with any export issues you come across. Our team of experts can help with questions on documentation, export controls, the UK Bribery Act, customs and VAT procedures, regulatory and

For more information on how the IOE&IT can help you, or on becoming a member, contact the IOE&IT at: https://www.export.org.uk/ page/about.

Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App

Open to Export Open to Export is the IOE&IT’s free online advice service for UK companies looking to grow internationally. It oﬀers free information and support on anything to do with exporting and hosts online discussions via its forum, webinars and social media, where businesses can ask any export question and learn from each other. Open to Export can be accessed at: http://opentoexport.com/. [Source – Institute of Export & International Trade]

Baku coastline on the Capsian Sea

AzERBAIJAn

You should show respect for local traditions, customs and laws and be aware of your actions in order to refrain from causing offence, especially if you are visiting religious sites or during Ramadan.

GETTInG HERE AND ADVICE ABOUT YOUR STAY

Getting here and advice about your stay

Dual nationals Azerbaijan does not allow adults (18 years or older) to hold dual nationality.

Entry requirements Passport validity Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date you enter Azerbaijan. Visas You should obtain a visa in advance of travelling. You can apply for an electronic visa on the ASAN Visa website at: https://evisa. gov.az/en/. Alternatively you can apply via the Azerbaijan Visa Centre in London, at: http://www.visaforazerbaijan.org.uk/ at least one month before travelling. E-visas are valid for 30 days and are single entry, although you cannot extend an e-visa once you have arrived in Azerbaijan, nor can they be issued to persons travelling on Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs). You may be able to extend a visa by up to 60 days, but you will need to check with the State Migration Service at: https:// migration.gov.az/?lang=en. UK Emergency Travel Documents UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Azerbaijan. Registration If you are staying in Azerbaijan for longer than 15 days you will need to register with the State Migration Service either in person or online at: https://migration.gov.az/. Although hotels may provide this service, each traveller is responsible for ensuring that the registration has been completed.

Work permits If you plan to work in Azerbaijan, you will need both a Work Permit and a Temporary Residence Permit from the State Migration Service. Visit: https://www.migration.gov.az/ index.php?section=012&subsection=111&lang =en for further information. [Source – Foreign Travel Advice: Azerbaijan, gov.uk]

Money The local currency is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). Major hotels, supermarkets and restaurants in Baku usually accept credit cards and there are ATMs in major towns and cities, but you will need to ensure you advise your card provider that you are visiting Azerbaijan, to avoid it being blocked. [Source – Foreign Travel Advice: Azerbaijan, gov.uk]

Local laws and customs The majority of the population of Azerbaijan is Muslim, but being a predominantly secular society, on the whole religion in Azerbaijan is considered to be a private matter. You should show respect for local traditions, customs and laws and be aware of your actions in order to refrain from causing oﬀence, especially if you are visiting religious sites or during Ramadan. In Baku, Western-style clothing is acceptable for women and men can even wear shorts in the summer months, but outside of Baku it can be frowned upon and can also attract unwelcome attention.

Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App

You should carry your passport at all times as police sometimes carry out checks of identity documents. You are advised to leave a photocopy of the details page separately in a safe place. Although homosexuality is not illegal in Azerbaijan, it is considered to be unacceptable by many, in particular in areas outside of Baku and by the older generation. LGBT people in Azerbaijan generally keep a low profile. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, especially in areas outside of Baku. Physical contact between men such as holding hands or embracing is usually a sign of friendship. See the UK Government’s information and advice page for the LGBT community at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/lesbian-gaybisexual-and-transgender-foreign-traveladvice before you travel. To take antiques and art such as carpets, samovars, copperware and paintings out of Azerbaijan, you will need an export certificate available from the Carpet Museum or through the seller. Do not photograph or visit military bases, equipment and installations as they are considered sensitive. Be aware too of cultural sensitivities when photographing mosques, churches and other religious sites. Always seek permission if you are unsure. [Source – Foreign Travel Advice: Azerbaijan, gov.uk]

Safety and security Crime Crime levels are generally low, but occasionally muggings do occur around Western bars and clubs and dimly lit areas, so you should take

sensible precautions – be vigilant, avoid carrying large sums of money and do not walk alone at night. Crimes can be reported to any local police station, but you should take someone with you who is able to interpret. Alternatively, crimes can be reported by telephoning 102, where English-speaking staff are available. Be aware that corruption is an everyday aspect of life in Azerbaijan, so you should avoid paying or receiving bribes. Local travel The war in Nagorno-Karabakh between 1988 and 1994 resulted in no control of over 20% of Azerbaijan’s internationally recognised territory. Despite a ceasefire and ongoing peace negotiations, there are still regular incidents along the front line between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and tensions have increased in recent years with regular exchanges of gunfire across the border, and some areas may be heavily land mined. The FCO advise against all travel to NagornoKarabakh and the military-occupied area surrounding it, and to within 5 km of both the Line of Contact and the border with Armenia. Consular support is not available in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. It is a criminal offence to enter NagornoKarabakh without the permission of the Azerbaijani authorities. If you hold a valid visa, it is possible to cross the Iranian border at Astara. Although the land border between Azerbaijan and Dagestan (in Russia) is no longer closed, you are advised against all travel to Dagestan. For further details you should check the latest FCO foreign travel advice at: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-traveladvice/azerbaijan.

Road travel You will need a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Azerbaijan. These are only available over the counter from 2,500 UK Post Offices so you should get one before you travel. Visit: https://www.gov.uk/drivingabroad/international-driving-permit for further information. Be aware that many cars are poorly maintained, roads are of low quality and the standard of driving is not good, with accidents being common. Traffic lights are often switched to flashing amber at night, which means both directions can proceed with caution. There is a zero limit on drinking alcohol and driving, and you should ensure you have adequate insurance. Heavy snowfall in winter is not uncommon, even in Baku, so be prepared by carrying a torch, blanket, shovel and food. The RAC has a guide to driving in Azerbaijan, at: https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/ country/azerbaijan/. Taxis In Baku there are a variety of taxi options available such as private hire, app-based, and London-style metered cabs. To avoid being severely overcharged by local taxis, particularly from the airport into Baku city centre, agree a fare upfront and check that the meter is switched on and that the taxi has working seatbelts. Rail travel The metro in Baku is reasonably maintained and has basic safety equipment and procedures, and signs are in Azerbaijani and English. There are police at each station and security checks of bags and belongings.

Air travel The Aviation Safety Network has a list of incidents and accidents in Azerbaijan at: http://aviation-safety.net/database/country/ country.php?id=4K. A 2018 International Civil Aviation Organization audit of aviation safety found that the level of implementation of some critical elements of safety oversight in Azerbaijan was below the global average. See: https://www.icao.int/ safety/Pages/USOAP-Results.aspx. Political situation Political demonstrations and rallies do sometimes occur, and are usually heavily policed. These usually have prior permission from the authorities. However, it is advisable to avoid unauthorised demonstrations, particularly as these can lead to violence. Natural disasters There have been no recent serious earthquakes in Azerbaijan, although the Caucasus is an area of regular seismic activity. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake, see: https://www.ready.gov/ earthquakes for details. Terrorism Terrorist attacks are likely in Azerbaijan. You should remain vigilant as indiscriminate attacks against civilian targets – including places frequented by foreigners such as international hotels, restaurants and bars, as well as energy sector facilities – cannot be ruled out. Visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduceyour-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad to ﬁnd out how to minimise your risk and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. [Source – Foreign Travel Advice: Azerbaijan, gov.uk]

www.Azerbaijan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

Health You should visit your GP or health provider a minimum of eight weeks prior to travelling to Azerbaijan. This is an opportunity to assess any health risks speciﬁc to you or the country itself and will allow time for any necessary vaccinations. Visit the Azerbaijan-speciﬁc pages of the TravelHealthPro website at: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/17/ azerbaijan for more information.

be limited, and serious illness or injury – even in Baku – may require evacuation to Turkey or Western Europe, so you should ensure you have suﬃcient medical insurance to cover that possibility. For emergency medical assistance, dial 103 and ask for an ambulance, and if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment, ensure you contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly.

You can also receive useful information, advice and guidance from the NHS via the FitForTravel website at: https://www.ﬁtfortravel .nhs.uk/destinations or the NHS Choices website at: https://www.nhs.uk/using-thenhs/healthcare-abroad/.

FCO foreign travel advice If you are travelling to Azerbaijan for business, the Foreign & Commonwealth Oﬃce (FCO) website has travel advice to help you prepare for your visit overseas and to stay safe and secure while you are there.

Some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be of an alternative legal status and regulations surrounding their usage may vary in other countries. If it is necessary for you to travel with either prescription or overthe-counter medication, you should consult the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) or TravelHealthPro at: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/43/ medicines-abroad.

For up-to-the-minute advice please visit the foreign travel pages on the gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice /azerbaijan. Travel insurance You should ensure you have comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel. [Source – Foreign Travel Advice: Azerbaijan, gov.uk]

The legal status and regulations of some medicines from the UK may be different in Azerbaijan so it would be advisable to seek advice or check with the Azerbaijan Embassy before travelling. You should take a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor to confirm that you are required to take the medication you are carrying. It is worthwhile to take surplus medication with you, as some medicines may not be readily available in Azerbaijan, or may be counterfeit if they are. You should carry a comprehensive first aid kit for trips out of Baku as medical facilities can

Panoramic view of Baku

AzERBAIJAn

There are opportunities for UK business in various sectors including education, energy, financial and professional services, global sports, ICT, infrastructure and retail.

SECTORâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;SPECIFIC OPPORTUnITIES

Sector-specific opportunities There are opportunities for UK business in various sectors including education, energy, ﬁnancial and professional services, global sports, ICT, infrastructure and retail.

Research Before exporting to Azerbaijan, you should carry out extensive planning and market research. Ideally you should use both desk research and market visits, as you will need to determine whether there is a market for your product or service, and if your pricing is competitive. Contact the Department for International Trade (DIT) trade specialists to ﬁnd local representatives for your products via: https://www.gov.uk/overseas-customersexport-opportunities. From its worldwide network, DIT can provide international export sales leads. Find export opportunities in Azerbaijan at: https://www. great.gov.uk/export-opportunities/. For more information about opportunities and advice on doing business in Azerbaijan contact DIT at: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/ department-for-international-trade-azerbaijan #contact-us. Do not forget to check that your goods meet legal requirements for export, at the UK Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) (formerly known as the Export Control Organisation) at: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations /export-control-organisation. [Source – DIT Trade and Investment guide: Azerbaijan, gov.uk, ECJU]

Government tenders Some countries have specific rules in place to regulate public procurement. However, in some instances these can include limitations which favour nationals of the host nation, although such procurement agreements do guarantee limited procedural transparency. Selling directly to the government in Azerbaijan can be profitable, but limited transparency in procurement processes is a challenge – major infrastructure projects funded through multilateral development bank financing are more transparent. For lists of public procurement details in Azerbaijan, apply to: https://etender.gov.az/. Including Azerbaijani goods and services as part of your company's bid, or partnering with an Azerbaijan firm, may improve your chance of success. Check with DIT in Baku at: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/ department-for-international-trade-azerbaijan #contact-us for assistance and information about third-party advisers if you decide to have your tender bids submitted by a domestic company or consultant. [Source – DIT, gov.uk]

Education Education is a priority sector for Azerbaijan, where a state scholarship programme ﬁnanced by the State Oil Fund encourages students to study engineering, computer science and law at top-rated universities abroad.

www.Azerbaijan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

There are opportunities for: •

joint programmes between higher education institutions

•

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)

•

upgrading of TVET institutions

•

consultancy services

•

overseas study

Contact the Department for International Trade (DIT) team in Baku at: DIT.Azerbaijan@fco.gov.uk for further information on opportunities in Azerbaijan’s education sector. [Source – DIT Trade and Investment guide: Azerbaijan, gov.uk]

Energy As the oil and gas sector is by far the largest sector in Azerbaijan, the UK Department for International Trade (DIT) currently operates an oil and gas High Value Campaign (HVC) in Azerbaijan, which in 2016-17 was worth some £1.3 billion to the UK, making it the second most successful DIT HVC. To support the HVC, DIT, together with the Azerbaijan Ministry of Economy, BP and the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), runs the UK/Azerbaijan Partnership Programme, which helps to promote and support collaboration between UK and Azerbaijani companies in the oil and gas sector.

In 2017, BP, together with SOCAR, signed the extension to 2049 of the Azeri Chirag Guneshli PSA Agreement, which will lead to significant new business for resident and new UK companies. The US $40 billion Southern Gas Corridor project offers huge opportunities for British supply chain companies, with BP the major foreign business in Azerbaijan’s oil and gas sector. Gas from the Shah Deniz II gas field will travel from Azerbaijan and Georgia to Turkey through the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP), then go on to Greece, Albania and Italy through the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). Opportunities from this project will cover nearly every sector, from design to education. Contact the Department for International Trade (DIT) team in Baku at: DIT.Azerbaijan@fco.gov.uk for further information on opportunities in Azerbaijan’s energy sector. [Source – DIT Trade and Investment guide: Azerbaijan, gov.uk]

Financial and professional services There is little foreign ownership in Azerbaijan, and the Azerbaijani banking sector is underdeveloped. The ﬁnancial sector comprises over 150 licensed institutions which can grant loans, including banks, credit unions and other Non‐Bank Credit Institutions (NBCIs), most of which are Monetary Financial Institutions (MFIs).

This area of the economy was hit hard during the recession of 2016 following the drop in oil prices. It is now rapidly opening up, in part due to the recent increase in the price of oil but also the government’s industry diversiﬁcation strategy, which is concentrating on the development of non-oil sectors. This is creating opportunities for UK companies to support development and share their experience and knowledge. Contact the Department for International Trade (DIT) team in Baku at: DIT.Azerbaijan@fco.gov.uk for further information on opportunities in Azerbaijan’s ﬁnancial and professional services sector. [Source – DIT Trade and Investment guide: Azerbaijan, gov.uk]

Global sports Azerbaijan successfully delivered the First European Games in June 2015 and hosted Formula One and the Islamic Games in 2017. Baku is one of 13 cities appointed by the UEFA to host games at EURO 2020, and there will be business opportunities when tenders are issued. It is also a former host city of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship, the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, and was the venue for the 2019 UEFA Europa League ﬁnal. Visit: https://www.uefa. com/uefaeuro-2020/hosts/venue=1162/ for further information. Contact the Department for International Trade (DIT) team in Baku at: DIT.Azerbaijan@fco.gov.uk for further information on opportunities in Azerbaijan’s global sports sector. [Source – DIT Trade and Investment guide: Azerbaijan, gov.uk]

Information and communications technology (ICT) The ICT sector in Azerbaijan is being developed by a US $4 billion investment by 2020, and the Azerbaijani Government is looking for UK partners to assist with: •

cyber security

•

satellites

•

creation of high technology parks and a ‘Tech City’ type development

Contact the Department for International Trade (DIT) team in Baku at: DIT.Azerbaijan@fco.gov.uk for further information on opportunities in Azerbaijan’s ICT sector. [Source – DIT Trade and Investment guide: Azerbaijan, gov.uk]

Contact the Department for International Trade (DIT) team in Baku at: DIT.Azerbaijan@fco.gov.uk for further information on opportunities in Azerbaijan’s infrastructure sector. [Source – DIT Trade and Investment guide: Azerbaijan, gov.uk]

Retail There are a number of mid-range and highend shopping malls in Baku, with opportunities for the supply of both luxury and mid-range brands in all areas. Contact the Department for International Trade (DIT) team in Baku at: DIT.Azerbaijan@fco.gov.uk for further information on opportunities in Azerbaijan’s retail sector. [Source – DIT Trade and Investment guide: Azerbaijan, gov.uk]

Infrastructure The diversiﬁcation strategy is opening up opportunities for UK companies across many industry sectors. There are plans for huge multi-million dollar public and private development projects, including: •

regional infrastructure developments ranging from wastewater treatment to tourism growth

•

further extension of the Baku Metro

•

restoration and reconstruction of the main highways

•

privately-built power generation

•

new rail and road links to Georgia and Turkey

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ZŽƩĞƌĚĂŵ͕ ϮϬϭϮ

KīƐŚŽƌĞ ĂŬƵ͕ ϮϬϭϱ

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ZĞƐƵůƚƐ ĂŶĚ ŽƩŽŵ >ŝŶĞ /ŵƉĂĐƚ ZĂƉŝĚ ^ŽůƵƟŽŶƐ ƉůĂǇĞĚ Ă ŬĞǇ ƌŽůĞ ŝŶ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ WƌŝŵĞƉŽŝŶƚ ƚŽ ĚĞůŝǀĞƌ WƌŝŵĞ ǆĞƌƚĞƌ ƚŽ KƉĞƌĂƟŽŶĂů ƐƚĂƚƵƐ͘ dŚĞ ŵƵůƟͲĚŝƐĐŝƉůŝŶĞ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ĨŽƌ ĞīĞĐƟǀĞ ĨƵůů W ƐĐŽƉĞ ƚŽ WƌŝŵĞƉŽŝŶƚ ŚĞůƉĞĚ ŽīĞƌ Ă ŽŶĞͲƐƚŽƉ ƐŚŽƉ ƐŽůƵƟŽŶ ĨŽƌ ŵĂŶǇ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚ͛Ɛ ŶĞĞĚƐ ĨƌŽŵ ĞƐŝŐŶ ĂŶĚ ŶŐŝŶĞĞƌŝŶŐ͕ ƚŽ ƌĞƐŽƵƌĐŝŶŐ͕ ƚŽ ǀĂůǀĞ ƌĞͲĐĞƌƟĮĐĂƟŽŶ͘ dŚĞ ĞŶŐĂŐŝŶŐ͕ ƉƌŽŵƉƚ ĂŶĚ ůŽĐĂů ĞǆƉĞƌƟƐĞ ŽĨ ZĂƉŝĚ ^ŽůƵƟŽŶƐ ǁĂƐ Ă ƚƵƌŶŝŶŐ ƉŽŝŶƚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ WƌŝŵĞ ǆĞƌƚĞƌ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚ͘ tŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ZĂƉŝĚ ^ŽůƵƟŽŶƐ ƚĞĂŵ ŝŶƉƵƚ ĂŶĚ ĂƐƐŝƐƚĂŶĐĞ͕ ƚŚĞ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ŬĞǇ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚ ŵŝůĞƐƚŽŶĞƐ ǁĞƌĞ ĂĐŚŝĞǀĞĚ͗ ͻ KƉĞƌĂƟŽŶĂů ƌĞǁ ŽŶͲďŽĂƌĚ ŝŶ EŽǀĞŵďĞƌ ϮϬϭϰ ͻ Es ĞƌƟĮĐĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ &ĞďƌƵĂƌǇ ϮϬϭϱ ͻ ZŝŐ ŵŽǀĞ ƚŽ ĂŶĐŚŽƌĂŐĞ ĂŶĚ ũĂĐŬͲƵƉ ŝŶ Ɖƌŝů ϮϬϭϱ͕ ĂŶĚ ͻ ZĞĂĚŝŶĞƐƐ ĨŽƌ W dZKE ^ ĂĐĐĞƉƚĂŶĐĞ ƚĞƐƟŶŐ ŝŶ DĂǇ ϮϬϭϱ dŚĞ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚ ŽƉĞƌĂƟŽŶƐ ǁĞƌĞ ƌƵŶ ϮϰͲϳ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚŝƐ EŽǀĞŵďĞƌ ϮϬϭϰ ĚĂƚĞ͕ ǁŝƚŚ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĂů ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ĨƌŽŵ ZĂƉŝĚ ^ŽůƵƟŽŶƐ ƵŶƟů WƌŝŵĞ ǆĞƌƚĞƌ ĂĐĐĞƉƚĂŶĐĞ ĐŽŵŵĞŶĐĞŵĞŶƚ ďǇ W dZKE ^ ŝŶ :ƵŶĞ ϮϬϭϱ͘

View of Winter Park and Baku city panorama

AzerbAijAn

There are two main routes to the market in Azerbaijan. These include either establishing a local presence through a representative office, branch or company legal entity, or approaching the market through local representation in the form of an agent or distributor.

PrePAring To exPorT

Preparing to export

to Azerbaijan or both? •

Do you wish to establish your own company presence in Azerbaijan (for example representative oﬃce, branch or company legal entity)?

•

Do you need to be involved in Azerbaijan at all?

•

Do you see Azerbaijan as part of a wider plan including e.g. other east European or Central Asian markets, now or in the future?

Consultation and bespoke research There is a range of online information for exporters including advice and guidance on how to thoroughly research overseas markets. Visit: https://www.great.gov.uk/ for more information. Researching the Azerbaijan market Ideally you should make regular visits to Azerbaijan as well as making contact with others in your industry/sector. This will enable you to access the most up-to-date advice and information, and may lead to new insights, or at the very least form the foundation for further research. Visit: https://www.great.gov.uk for information and guidance on how to develop your marketing strategy, competitor and SWOT analyses and customer/market segmentation. The IOE&IT can also oﬀer help with this. Visit: https://www.export.org.uk/. You will need to determine whether there is a market for your product or service, if your pricing is competitive, and whether to adapt your business model. The questions listed here should help to focus your thoughts. Your answers to them will highlight areas for further research and also suggest a way forward that is right for your company. You may then want to use this as a basis for developing a formal Azerbaijan strategy, although this may not be necessary or appropriate for all companies:

Your company: •

Can you carry out a detailed SWOT analysis of your company?

•

Are your competitors already in Azerbaijan? If so, what are they doing?

•

Can you carry out a detailed SWOT analysis of your competitors?

•

What are the Unique Selling Points (USPs) of your product or service?

•

Do you know if there is a market for your product or service in Azerbaijan?

•

Do you know if you can be competitive in Azerbaijan?

•

Do you have the time and resources to handle e.g. the demands of communication, travel, product delivery and after-sales service?

Your knowledge: Your aims: • •

Do you wish to buy from Azerbaijan, sell

Do you know how to secure payment for your products or services?

Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App

•

Do you know where in Azerbaijan you should start?

•

Do you know how to locate and screen potential partners, agents or distributors?

The funding helps your business to gather market knowledge, gain experience in attending and getting the most from overseas trade shows, and to receive advice and support from trade experts.

•

Have you carried out any Azerbaijanspeciﬁc customer segmentation, and do you know how to best reach potential customers in-market?

To discover future events and trade missions in Azerbaijan, visit the DIT events portal at: https://www.events.great.gov.uk/ehome/ index.php?eventid=200183029&.

It is unlikely that you will have the answers to all these questions at the outset and these ‘knowledge gaps’ could form the basis for further research and investigation. Some of these questions will require quantitative research in your sector, while others involve more contextual and cultural considerations.

For company launches and events held at British Embassy and Consulate locations, contact the Department for International Trade (DIT) in Azerbaijan at: https://www.gov .uk/world/organisations/department-forinternational-trade-azerbaijan#contact-us. [Source – DIT, gov.uk]

Talking to other people in your industry and regularly visiting Azerbaijan will give you access to the most current advice and such experience can often lead to new insights and form the basis for further research. Guidance on developing an export plan, including marketing strategy, customer segmentation, competitor and SWOT analyses, etc. is available on the https://www.great.gov.uk/ site, and also on the Open to Export site at: https:// opentoexport.com/info/export-action-plan/. One option to test how viable your product or service could be in the Azerbaijan market would be to attend trade shows generally held in Azerbaijan each year. The Department for International Trade (DIT) provides funding for eligible businesses in the form of grants to enable them to attend trade shows overseas via the Tradeshow Access Programme. Visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tradeshowaccess-programme for more information.

Start-up considerations There are two main routes to the market in Azerbaijan. These include either establishing a local presence through a representative office, branch or company legal entity, or approaching the market through local representation in the form of an agent or distributor. Setting up a company Branches and representative offices of foreign commercial legal entities should register with the Azerbaijan Ministry of Taxes at: http://www.taxes.gov.az/index.php. Branches and representative offices of foreign noncommercial legal entities should register with the Azerbaijan Ministry of Justice at: http://www.justice.gov.az/#.

As a foreign company, you can choose from a number of company legal entities, including: •

Joint Stock Company (JSC) – either open or closed type

•

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

•

Partnership (general and limited), regulated by the Civil Code of Azerbaijan

Shares in JSCs must be registered with the Azerbaijani Service and Assessment Network (ASAN) site at: https://asan.gov.az/en. Distributorship agreement It is not uncommon for overseas companies to assign an agent or distributor to monitor local regulations, as these can change at short notice. You should conduct proper due diligence and research a number of potential agents or distributors before choosing one, looking, for example, at their local reputation, regional coverage, marketing ability and resources. Beware of agents who are promoting products or services which are the same or similar to yours. The Department for International Trade (DIT) in Baku can assist you in locating and meeting potential Azerbaijani agents and distributors. Visit: http://www.gov.uk/world/organisations /department-for-international-tradeazerbaijan#contact-us for more information. [Source – DIT Trade and Investment guide: Azerbaijan, gov.uk]

Other forms of business Other ways to carry out business in Azerbaijan include direct export and sales, online selling or franchising.

Direct exports and sales Direct export means supplying your products /services directly to the customer and involves you taking care of the logistics of marketing, selling, sending overseas and getting paid. You also have the option to use local representation, for example by using an agent, distributor or wholesaler. To help you to identify local representatives in Azerbaijan, contact a specialist trade adviser at the Department for International Trade (DIT) at: https://www.gov.uk/overseascustomers-export-opportunities. Online selling The Department for International Trade (DIT) can help you export your goods to Azerbaijan through the E-Exporting Programme. Find out more at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ e-exporting. DIT has also negotiated listings at betterthan-commercial rates. See online marketplaces in Azerbaijan at: https://www.great.gov.uk/selling-onlineoverseas/. [Source – DIT Trade and Investment guide: Azerbaijan, gov.uk]

Franchising Franchising can be successful in Azerbaijan but you might choose to partner with a local body given the legal requirements. For information on franchising in Azerbaijan, visit the LinkedIn site of the Azerbaijan Franchise Association (AFA) at: https://www. linkedin.com/company/azerbaijan-franchiseassociation/about/ and the international section of the British Franchise Association website at: http://www.thebfa.org/interna tional. [Source – British Franchise Association]

www.Azerbaijan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

You can avoid costly mistakes by seeking help and advice from a local lawyer, as the tax and legal obligations of each business structure can diﬀer. Contact the Department for International Trade (DIT) in Azerbaijan at: http://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/ department-for-international-trade-azerbaijan #contact-us for a list of local lawyers. Once you have chosen your route of entry into the Azerbaijan market, due diligence checks are essential. If you wish to develop and establish a business relationship which will go beyond exporting, you will need to carry out further research. [Source – DIT Trade and Investment guide: Azerbaijan, gov.uk]

impartial advice on your insurance options, or contact one of UKEF’s approved export insurance brokers at: https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/uk-exportfinance-insurance-list-of-approved-brokers /export-insurance-approved-brokers. Currency risks when exporting In order to fix your price, it is essential to fix your exchange rate. Before signing any contract you need to consider whether the best option for you is to agree terms in Pounds Sterling (GBP) or Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). It may also be advisable to seek expert financial advice on exchange rates (FX). [Source – DIT, UKEF, gov.uk]

Financial considerations Getting finance to fulfil an export contract Globally, Azerbaijan ranks 22nd out of 190 economies in the World Bank’s ‘Doing Business – Ease of Getting Credit’ report 2019. See: http://www.doingbusiness. org/en/data/exploreeconomies/azerbaijan. There are schemes available to simplify the growth of your business and to fulfil an export contract, for UK companies that wish to sell products and services to Azerbaijan. Contact your bank or financial adviser for more information on any current schemes. Payment risks UKEF helps UK companies to get paid by insuring against buyer default. You may have difficulty accessing foreign exchange. Be confident you will get paid for your export contract. Speak to one of UKEF’s export finance advisers at: https://www. gov.uk/government/publications/find-anexport-finance-manager for free and

View of the Flame Towers and central business district, Baku

AzerbAijAn

If you are selling to consumers (rather than businesses) you must comply with Azerbaijanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s consumer protection requirements.

How to do business In AzerBAIjAn

How to do business in Azerbaijan

Legal considerations Azerbaijani law is based on a civil (continental) law system, with foreign investment regulated by a number of international treaties and agreements and domestic legislation. The main laws are: •

Law on Protection of Foreign Investment (the Foreign Investment Law)

•

Law on Investment Activity

•

Privatization Law

•

Second Privatization Programme

•

Law on Banks

International treaties prevail over local law (except for the Constitution and acts adopted by referendum) regulating the same issue. Azerbaijan acceded to the New York Convention on the enforcement of foreign arbitral awards in 1999. Visit: http://www. newyorkconvention.org/ for further information. Azerbaijan also passed a law on international arbitration. The central regulatory body for the banking sector is the Central Bank of Azerbaijan. See: https://www.cbar.az/ home?language=en. Contact the Department for International Trade (DIT) team in Baku at: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/ department-for-international-tradeazerbaijan#contact-us to help ﬁnd tax and legal advisers before entering into agreements. [Source – DIT Trade and Investment guide: Azerbaijan, gov.uk]

Law on marketing and selling If you are selling to consumers (rather than businesses) you must comply with Azerbaijan’s consumer protection requirements. Contact the Department for International Trade (DIT) team in Baku at: https://www.gov. uk/world/organisations/department-forinternational-trade-azerbaijan#contact-us for more information and advice on marketing in Azerbaijan. Standards and technical regulations It is important to check if your product requires any certiﬁcation before being sold in Azerbaijan. Suppliers and manufacturers have an obligation to make sure products are safe and meet relevant safety standards. The Azerbaijan Standardization Institute had responsibility for standards and technical regulations. However, this was replaced by the State Agency for Antimonopoly Policy and Supervision of the Consumer Market in 2018. See: http://www.consumer.gov.az/en. You can also contact the DIT team in Baku at: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/ department-for-internationaltrade-azerbai jan#contact-us for information and advice on standards and technical regulations. [Source – DIT Trade and Investment guide: Azerbaijan, gov.uk]

Labelling your products Labelling of food and agricultural products must be in Azerbaijani, although can be in English too. Labels should include: •

country of origin

•

name and brand of product

www.Azerbaijan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

•

name and address of production company

•

expiration date/shelf life

•

nutrition and caloriﬁc values

•

net weight

•

storage and usage instructions

•

licensing and certiﬁcation information

Labelling of non-food items should include for example, the brand and product name, country of origin and name of manufacturer, usage instructions and rules and conditions for eﬀective and safe use of the product where appropriate.

•

Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs)

•

two Host Government Agreements (HGAs), which relate speciﬁcally to the main oil and gas export pipeline and the South Caucasus pipeline

Statutory tax regime Taxes and payments aﬀecting foreign investors operating under the statutory regime include: •

corporate proﬁt tax

•

personal income tax

•

value added tax (VAT)

•

withholding tax

However, compliance is poor and there is limited enforcement so you are advised to contact the DIT team in Baku at: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/ department-for-international-tradeazerbaijan#contact-us for more detailed information and advice on labelling your products for Azerbaijan.

Corporate profit tax The general proﬁts tax rate is 20%, and entities subject to the proﬁts tax include:

For additional requirements for food labelling and certiﬁcation, visit the Global Agricultural Information Network site at: https://gain.fas.usda.gov/#/. [Source – DIT, gov.uk]

Taxation Azerbaijan’s tax system consists of three taxation regimes: •

a statutory tax regime governed by the Azerbaijan Tax Code

•

Azerbaijani companies (with or without foreign ownership)

•

branches of foreign legal entities

•

representative oﬃces of foreign enterprises undertaking commercial activities in Azerbaijan

Value added tax (VAT) All companies involved in commercial activities, and foreign companies importing goods and services into the country, pay 18% VAT. There is a preferential rate of 10% for some items such as books, food, children’s clothing and medical goods. Further information on VAT in non-EU markets and zero rating conditions is available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-exportsdispatches-and-supplying-goods-abroad. 64

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Double taxation agreement The UK and Azerbaijan have signed a double taxation agreement, which allows some taxes paid in one country to be deducted in the other. See: www.gov.uk/government/ publications/azerbaijan-tax-treaties. Provided you get and keep evidence of your export, and comply with all other laws, you can zero-rate the sale of your goods to Azerbaijan. You will need to ensure the goods are exported, and provide evidence within three months from the time of sale. The DIT team in Baku at: https://www.gov.uk/ world/organisations/department-forinternational-trade-azerbaijan#contact-us can help you ﬁnd tax advisers before entering into agreements in Azerbaijan. More information on GST in non-EU markets can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance /vat-exports-dispatches-and-supplying-goodsabroad. Excise duty You will need to pay excise duty on any alcohol, alcoholic drinks, energy products, electricity or tobacco products you send to Azerbaijan. [Source – DIT Trade and Investment guide: Azerbaijan, gov.uk]

Customs and documentation The State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan is responsible for all customs legislation and guidance. Visit: http://customs.gov.az/en/. If you have any queries relating to customs procedures you can email the Azerbaijan State Customs Committee at: international@customs.gov.az or alternatively contact the DIT team in Baku at: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/ department-for-international-trade-azerbaijan #contact-us.

The EU’s Market Access Database (MADB) has a full list of import tariﬀs for Azerbaijan. Visit: http://madb.europa.eu/madb/barriers_result. htm?isSps=false&countries=AZ. [Source – DIT Trade and Investment guide: Azerbaijan, gov.uk, EU Commission]

Embargoes and sanctions on Azerbaijan You should be aware that there is currently an arms embargo in force on Azerbaijan, declared by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and implemented in UK law. To export any controlled goods from the UK to Azerbaijan, you must obtain an export licence from the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU). You cannot export any controlled strategic goods without a licence. These goods include military goods, products used for torture and repression, radioactive sources and dual-use goods – commercially available goods that could be used for military purposes. Full guidance on the extent of the arms embargo, how it operates, and the UK and international laws which enforce it, is available from the UK Government at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/embargoesand-sanctions-on-azerbaijan. You can also ﬁnd out how to apply for an export control licence for Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is not currently subject to further sanctions. Export control updates If you intend to export to Azerbaijan you should stay well informed of the current situation through the media and other information channels. You can keep informed of latest updates about arms embargoes and changes to strategic export control legislation by subscribing to the ECJU’s Notices to 66

Exporters, at: https://www.gov.uk/govern ment/collections/notices-to-exporters.

https://www.gov.uk/take-goods-sell-abroad for further information.

Complying with HMRC regulations to export To export your goods to Azerbaijan you must make export declarations to HMRC through the National Export System (NES). Visit: https:// www.gov.uk/guidance/export-declarationsand-the-national-export-system-exportprocedures for further details.

Temporary export of goods Azerbaijan does not recognise the ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet system. You therefore need to use a duplicate list to temporarily export goods to Azerbaijan. As with an ATA Carnet, you do not have to pay customs duty or tax. There is no fee. See: https://www.gov.uk/taking-goodsout-uk-temporarily/duplicate-list.

You must classify your goods as part of the declaration, including a commodity code and a customs procedure code (CPC). Commodity codes and other details applying to exports in the UK Trade Tariﬀ can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariﬀ.

Before you export the goods, prepare a list on company stationery, including: •

a description of the goods

•

how many there are

Contact the HMRC Tariff Classification Service at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/findingcommodity-codes-for-imports-or-exports# list-of-useful-contacts for more help.

•

serial numbers, if the goods have them

•

value of the goods

You must declare any goods that you take with you in your luggage to sell outside the EU. See:

At customs, you will need to provide: •

View of the Flame Towers and central business district, Baku

two copies of the list

•

a completed HMRC form C&E 1246. See: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/ government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/ﬁle/374161/ce1246.pdf (PDF, 638 KB)

Posting goods For information about sending goods by post to Azerbaijan, visit Royal Mail at: http://www.royalmail.com/azerbaijan. [Source – Royal Mail]

Contact the HMRC Imports and Exports Helpline in advance to make the arrangements: •

Telephone: 0300 200 3700

•

Textphone: 0300 200 3719

•

Outside the UK: +44 29 2050 1261

•

Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

Visit: https://www.gov.uk/taking-goods-out-uktemporarily for further information. To apply for a temporary export licence, you will need to use the SPIRE system at: https://www.spire. trade.gov.uk/spire/fox/espire/LOGIN/login. You may choose to work with an Azerbaijan customs agent. Contact the DIT team in Azerbaijan at: https://www.gov.uk/world/ organisations/department-for-internationaltrade-azerbaijan#contact-us for further advice and lists of agents. [Source – DIT, gov.uk]

Shipping your goods You can use a freight forwarder to move your goods if you are not knowledgeable about international shipping procedures. A freight forwarder will have vast expertise and familiarity with local documentation requirements, regulations, transportation costs and banking practices in Azerbaijan. The British International Freight Association (BIFA) at: http://www.bifa.org/home and the Freight Transport Association (FTA) at: http://www.fta.co.uk/ can assist in locating freight forwarders to transport your goods to Azerbaijan.

Shipping restricted, banned and dangerous goods Certain goods are classed as restricted or dangerous. If you wish to import any of these goods into Azerbaijan they are subject to special rules. For more information visit: https://www.gov.uk/shipping-dangerousgoods/what-are-dangerous-goods. You can employ a local agent who will have knowledge of the latest import licensing requirements. For information and assistance contact the Department for International Trade (DIT) team in Baku at: https://www.gov.uk/ world/organisations/department-forinternational-trade-azerbaijan#contact-us. Terms of delivery You should ensure your contract includes agreement on terms of delivery using Incoterms. Visit: https://www.gov.uk/ guidance/international-trade-paperwork-thebasics#international-trade-contracts-andincoterms for more information. UK Export Finance The UK Government can provide finance or credit insurance specifically to support UK exports through UK Export Finance (UKEF) – the UK’s export credit agency. See: https://www.gov .uk/government/organisations/uk-exportfinance. For up-to-date country-specific information on the support available see UKEF’s cover policy and indicators for Azerbaijan at: https://www. gov.uk/guidance/country-cover-policy-andindicators#azerbaijan. [Source – UKEF, gov.uk]

AzerbAijAn

It is important to invest time and make an effort to create a rapport with your business partners in order to establish personal relationships, which are essential when conducting business in Azerbaijan.

business eTIqueTTe, lAnGuAGe & culTure

Business etiquette, language & culture

It is important to invest time and make an effort to create a rapport with your business partners in order to establish personal relationships, which are essential when conducting business in Azerbaijan. Many local companies will have some form of political patronage providing protection from the difficult business climate. Azerbaijan is a largely secular society, and religion is usually considered a private matter. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. The UK Government has advice about travelling during Ramadan. Visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travellingduring-ramadan for more information.

Dress Be aware that as Azerbaijan is a conservative, hierarchical society, it is considered important to create a good impression, for example by dressing smartly and being punctual. In Baku, local and foreign women usually dress in Western-style clothing and it is now more acceptable for men in Baku to wear shorts in the summer months. However, outside of Baku it can be frowned upon and can attract unwelcome attention.

Meeting and greeting Although Azerbaijan is an Islamic country, it is secular and liberal in comparison to some of its neighbours. When exchanging greetings, men should wait to see if a woman extends her hand. If she does, shake it lightly. As family is a very important part of Azerbaijani culture, greetings should include a reference to this. Meetings Arrange meeting schedules around two weeks before arrival, and confirm closer to the visit, reconfirming the day prior to the scheduled time. It is an idea to provide the Azerbaijani company with the subject of the meeting and provisional support materials in advance too. Meetings can be formal, normally starting with business and ending with small talk, although overly informal behaviour could be construed as lack of respect. Azerbaijani business is hierarchical, with decisions being made by the highest-ranking person, so you should not expect lower-level staff to have the authority to make decisions. As Azerbaijani companies are often driven and directed by one strong, central character, you should therefore ideally try to reach the decision-maker at the top as early as possible, and send your top person to meet with them, as this is indicative of how much you value your prospective business in Azerbaijan.

www.Azerbaijan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

Language The oﬃcial language is Azerbaijani. However, Russian is also still widely used and most people in Baku are bilingual. English is also quite widely spoken and understood in Baku. When setting up an appointment, you should always ask if your contact speaks English or if they would feel more comfortable with an interpreter. However, it can be diﬃcult to do business with Azerbaijan remotely. Azerbaijani companies will often not respond to emails or phone calls. Interpreters Your interpreter is one of your key assets, so needs to be chosen carefully. We recommend you use a professional interpreter for negotiations and avoid using electronic translation for your correspondence. Initial written approaches to Azerbaijan companies should always be in Azerbaijani, and your literature and business cards should be translated too. Lists of potential interpreters and translators can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/azerbaijan-list-oftranslators-and-interpreters. [Source – DIT Trade and Investment guide: Azerbaijan, gov.uk]

> Clear, consistent content is vital to making your business understood overseas. So don't leave it to chance.

> Well-known companies we already work with include: Serco, Experian, Intertek, IKEA and Caterpillar > For a structured approach to translation, please read the article that follows

T: 0115 9705633 | E: office@astls.co.uk | www.astlanguage.com

If you're reading this guide, the chances are you're either a seasoned exporter, or you're committed to investigating new export opportunities for your business. Whichever category you fall into, you'll have a good idea of the huge investment in time, effort and resources which is required for export success.

Your priority will be to get your product or service to market, and it's a fact of life that procurement of peripheral resources such as translation is often left to the last minute. In this article we'd like to demonstrate to you how building translation into the early planning stages of your export campaigns can pay dividends.

The internet, mobile connectivity and social media mean that now more than ever before customers, be they B2B or B2C, are buying goods and services within the context of a connected world of instant communication. Buying decisions carried out in isolation of wider and constantly changing sector, economic or social contexts are a thing of the past. This means that increasingly any product or service has to be supported with professional technical, marketing or other contextual content.

As examples of this, exporters need their technical documentation to be easily assimilated, their marketing content to be compelling, and their website to be informative and memorable. Human resources departments on the other hand need sensitive localisation of policies & procedures in line with local legislation, corporate guidelines and house style. After all an international expansion strategy or company restructuring could easily be undermined by insensitive internal communication.

In non English-speaking markets, all of the above can be achieved by working with a reliable and professional translation partner. So how can really good translation help build your export success: •

•

clear and accurate foreignlanguage branding and content will motivate foreign customers to buy from you

consistent and harmonised messaging helps to convey and reinforce your company's values and ethos corporate and operational risk through poor quality communication and misunderstanding is eliminated overall brand integrity and reputation are enhanced

The following components are key to a successful translation project, and show how AST can make the process of internationalising outward-facing and internal communications simpler, more professional and more costeffective: Rigorous selection of translators

AST’s ISO9001 certified and ISO17100 compliant processes mean that the company has approved sector-specialist translators whatever the language and deadline requirements, with experienced proofreaders to give the text precision and professionalism to really focus the reader’s attention. Translation memory technology

Client-facing documents produced periodically often contain sections which stay the same and sections which need updating. Similarly company websites and technical data or manuals can contain identical paragraphs and sections. Translation Memory technology is used in this situation to identify duplicate and legacy text. The duplicates are logged and reused – leading to reduced turnaround times and resulting

cost savings – with company wordings for products, processes, titles and descriptions translated consistently. Terminology management

The key words used to describe your company’s products, services and processes support your brand and identity. This is equally true in your foreign language communications. Unfortunately, once translated it is often easy to lose control of key terms, leading to uncertainty as to whether the translations are having the desired impact. AST’s terminology management prevents this. Glossaries are maintained in multiple languages and client terminology is checked in each language by industry sector experts. As the glossary grows it can be reused with each new project, so client content is always on-message and brand integrity consistent.

So there’s really no need for you to leave the “softer” aspects of your export campaign to chance. Using a professional translation company like AST provides a guarantee that your international content will be clear, consistent and effective. Whatever the language.

> YOU NEED YOUR SALES, TECHNICAL AND WEBSITE CONTENT TO BE TRANSLATED BY EXPERTS!

> We’re recognised as a UK leader for translating high profile, client-facing documents

> All our translators are rigorously selected so your text will be translated by the best people in the business

> We ensure you get premium quality translations every time, on time and within budget

No matter how urgent your assignment we can translate it.

T: 0115 9705633 | E: office@astls.co.uk | www.astlanguage.com

AzerbAijAn

Doing business in Azerbaijan can be more difficult than in many oecD countries, so it is important that you come to Azerbaijan well prepared.

WhAT Are tHe cHAllenges?

open to export is a free online information service from The Institute of export & International Trade, dedicated to helping small uK businesses get ready to export and expand internationally

How can we help? A wealth of free information and practical advice on our website using: Step-by-step guides covering the whole export journey from ‘Selecting a market’ to ‘Delivery and documentation’

A comprehensive webinar programme covering all aspects of international trade

The online export Action Plan tool helping businesses create a roadmap to successful new markets

quarterly competitions for the chance to win £3,000 cash and further support sign up today to take your next steps in international trade

What are the challenges?

Challenges and risks when doing business in Azerbaijan Doing business in Azerbaijan can be more diﬃcult than in many OECD countries, so it is important that you come to Azerbaijan well prepared. Challenges include: •

lack of transparency

•

inconsistent application of regulations

•

inconsistent procedures relating to licensing or certiﬁcation requirements

•

double registration of trademarks can lead to legal disputes

•

not a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), causing customs issues

Business and human rights Azerbaijan has committed to upholding international human rights standards and is a member of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and Council of Europe. However, its record remains an area of concern. A number of respected international human rights groups have reported concerns over the judiciary independence; politically motivated convictions; government control /inﬂuence over large sections of the media; widespread mistrust of the police/law enforcement and inconsistent application of laws. Azerbaijan has been a member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) since 1992. However, according to the ILO, there is insuﬃcient information regarding child labour, forced labour, and occupational safety in the country.

•

many companies do not have audited accounts

Trade Unions in Azerbaijan have very limited power, and the Azerbaijan National Confederation of Trade Unions has strong links with the government.

•

few companies have comprehensive English language websites

[Source – FCO Overseas Business Risk: Azerbaijan, gov.uk]

•

ranked 152nd out of 180 in Transparency International’s 2018-19 Corruption Perceptions Index

Bribery and corruption Bribery is illegal. It is an oﬀence for British nationals or someone who is ordinarily resident in the UK, a body incorporated in the UK or a Scottish partnership, to bribe anywhere in the world. In addition, a commercial organisation carrying on a business in the UK can be liable for the conduct of a person who is neither a UK national or resident in the UK or a body incorporated or formed in the UK. In this case it does not matter whether the acts or omissions which form part of the oﬀence take place in the UK or elsewhere.

You will need to be aware of and comply with the requirements of the UK Bribery Act. See: https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/bribery-act-2010-guidance for further information. [Source – DIT Trade and Investment guide: Azerbaijan, gov.uk]

Corruption remains a major issue at all levels of Azerbaijan society, despite improvements in regulation and a number of reforms in recent years, although the government is working on eliminating the level of corruption across borders. The establishment of the ASAN public service under the President of Azerbaijan has reduced bureaucracy and eased the process of registering a business in Azerbaijan. Visit: https://asan.gov.az/en. However, in 2018 Azerbaijan was ranked 152nd out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). See: https://www.transparency.org/cpi2018. Visit the Business Anti-Corruption portal at: https://www.ganintegrity.com/portal/ country-proﬁles/azerbaijan/ for procedures you can establish to protect your company from corruption risks. [Source – FCO Overseas Business Risk: Azerbaijan, gov.uk, GAN Integrity]

Protecting your Intellectual Property (IP) IP rights are territorial, which means that they only give protection within the countries where they are registered. You should therefore consider registering your IP rights (if necessary) in Azerbaijan before entering the market. The Azerbaijan Standardization Institute (Azstand) had responsibility for registering Intellectual Property rights. However, this was replaced by the State Agency for Antimonopoly Policy and Supervision of the Consumer Market in 2018. See: http://www. consumer.gov.az/en. You can also contact the DIT team in Baku at: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/ department-for-internationaltrade-azerbaijan #contact-us for information and advice on registering Intellectual Property rights. Industrial property rights disputes are considered by the Azerbaijan Appellate Board of the Patent Committee and their decisions can be challenged in Azerbaijani courts.

The right to a trademark is based on registration with the Patent Committee. However, researching trademarks is challenging as much of the information is not online, which can result in double registration of the same trademark by diﬀerent claimants, and consequently disputes over ownership. You should ensure that your IP rights are protected by contacting a local lawyer who is specialised in Intellectual Property. Remember that it is easier and more costeﬀective to prevent any issues by preparing correctly rather than dealing with problems and legal issues that arise later from a dispute. A list of potential lawyers in Azerbaijan can be provided by the DIT team in Baku at: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/ department-for-international-trade-azerbaijan #contact-us. Further information is provided on the UK Government’s Intellectual Property page at: https://www.gov.uk/intellectual-property-an-

overview, and at the Intellectual Property Oﬃce – the UK Government agency providing free and impartial advice on protecting and registering your IP in the UK and abroad. See: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations /intellectual-property-oﬃce. Azerbaijan’s 2019 International Property Rights Index (IPRI) score increased by 0.082 to 5.120 placing it 15th in the Central Eastern Europe and Central Asia region, and 80th (out of 131) in the world. See: https://www.interna tionalpropertyrightsindex.org/country/azer baijan. Protective security advice The UK Government has advice on crime and fraud prevention in international trade, at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/crime-andfraud-prevention-for-businesses-ininternational-trade. [Source – FCO Overseas Business Risk: Azerbaijan, gov.uk, IPRI]

AzerbAijAn

Azerbaijan has committed to upholding international human rights standards and is a member of the organization for Security and co-operation in europe (oSce) and council of europe.

resources

What does membership of the Institute of Export & International Trade mean?

To most the Institute of Export & International Trade simply plods away providing much needed qualifications to professionalise the industry however, did you realise that our helpline is one of the busiest and best in the industry? It’s all part of membership and, if you need more than a phone call, we can put together a project to fulfil your needs. 2015 saw the launch of our Technical Help for Exporters that recognises the volume of legislation and regulation that covers our industry and gives you the comfort of knowing that if you don’t know, you know someone who does!

Innovation is key to the success of the Institute and new ideas include our New Exporter package. This allows a business to enter a new market secure in the knowledge that they have an understanding of how they will operate and comply with any specific regulations and standards. Practical help and assistance is always available from the Institute so any additional training can be tailored to the business and the team that needs the knowledge. The work of the IOE&IT also extends to representing membership views. Knowledge gained from our members’ feedback, those who get involved with

the forums and Special Interest Groups, and those who attend our training courses or study with us, enables us to represent the industry at government levels in both the process and delivery of policy for international trade. These views also help us to ensure that the training programmes are effective and pertinent to the industry needs. Our Diploma in World Customs Compliance and Regulation is testament to the way we listen to our members’ needs. This was driven by Nissan, Adidas, John Lewis and many others and will neatly dovetail into any AEO work ensuring that quality standards are met at manager and junior staffing levels.

www.export.org.uk

Starting in 1935, the Institute committed itself to building competence and growing confidence for businesses trading in goods and services, which at the time, was a far reaching remit. Over the years this remit has seen us develop from simply providing training in short course format over a day, or perhaps two, into a fully-fledged Ofqual Awarding Organisation that operates specifically to deliver international trade education.

our young people at an earlier stage. We need to engage the next generation in thinking about how world trade works and how it will be great for British businesses. They need to know how items arrive in the shops which, in turn, will begin to spark ideas. As these young people join companies they will bring a fresh outlook that all things are possible especially if you operate globally.

This status allows our individual members and corporates alike to be sure that they are part of a quality organisation with plans for growth integrated with a sustainable future for the global prosperity of UKPlc.

Why not call us and get involved? It has never been more important that we act as an industry to help â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we need experts and commitment to professionalising international trade from businesses large and small â&#x20AC;&#x201C; help your institute to stay ahead of the curve.

Part of our work includes mapping existing qualifications to roles and producing training needs analyses to ensure staffing progression and continuity. The need to upskill our workforce to match those of our competitors is a key element vital for growth. Our focus is on recognising that International trade needs specific knowledge, coupled with a strong belief that we must start to talk to

Institute of Export & International Trade Export House Minerva Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE2 6FT, UK Telephone: +44(0)1733 - 404400 Fax: +44(0)1733 - 404444

Lesley Batchelor OBE, FIEx (Grad) – Director General, Institute of Export & International Trade

Focusing on qualifications. A focus on qualifications – but why do we need them?

I’d like to tell you about my story, it’s ok it won’t take too long but I think it’s similar to a lot of people that work in international trade.

I left school with no ambition to do anything other than help my mum make ends meet. I wanted to be a seamstress but we couldn’t afford the material for the interview so I went into an accounts department at a large pharmaceutical company. Luckily for me they recognised a hard worker and asked me to work in various departments. After a year they asked me which one I like the best and without even thinking I said “international”, and that was my career set out for me. Working in international trade I found that I needed to understand so many different things – from how trade agreements impacted a sale to the legal aspects of trade and how different systems worked in terms of contract and disputes. Getting paid brought about a whole new set of issues and this really made me learn and think about the implications of offering credit and how it can be used to your advantage. Things I learnt about logistics and the paperwork that was needed to support a trade were empirical and slowly I became sure of my knowledge. The problem was, that when I wanted to move on to the next company, I had nothing to show I had that knowledge. It was frustrating to find that the knowledge that I had accumulated over 11 years wasn’t evidenced in any way and that no-one knew exactly what I knew. I was lucky enough to get my next job with a well-known Japanese computer company but it made me realise that if I wanted a career, I needed to get qualified.

So I spent the next two years, two nights a week at night school honing my skills and building a knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the trade I had entered “by the back door”. Finally, exhausted but with a full understanding of how planning and control worked, I passed and became a Graduate Member of the Institute of Export & International Trade, suffix MIEx (Grad) in 1991.

Well, many things have changed since then, as after many years of working in international trade, I took over at the helm, steering the qualifications and the Institute towards a better place. We have now gained Ofqual Awarding Organisation status for the qualifications and have worked hard on ensuring we are ready for the next 80 years of representing the industry and standing as guardian of professional standards in international trade.

OFQUAL* awarding status is hard earned and we are proud to be the only professional body operating in this international trade environment.

IOE&IT Qualifications in brief www.export.org.uk/page/qualifications Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Level 4 Level 5

Level 7

Young International Trader (Available electronically) International Trade Logistic Operations* Certificate of International Trade Level 3 Customs Practitioner Award Certificate in Customs Legislation and Procedures (Delivered by KGH Customs) Certificate in Customs Duty Calculation (Delivered by KGH Customs) Diploma in International Trade Customs Practitioner Award Diploma in International Trade Diploma in World Customs Compliance and Regulations Foundation Degree jointly delivered with the University of Plymouth MSc International Trade, Strategy and Operations with Warwick University

Specialist Courses •

• • •

Award in International Transport and Documentation International Marketing Specialist Finance of International Trade Specialist Selling Services, Software and Skills Overseas

Apprenticeships Working in conjunction with employers and Universities, the Institute has access to qualifications which are available now and funded through the apprenticeship levy, these apply for professional and degree qualifications, including Bachelors and Masters Degrees. • • •

International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprenticeship (Level 3) Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (BSc Professional Management Practice) with the University of Plymouth Supply Chain Leadership Degree Apprenticeship (BSc Professional Practice in Supply Chain Leadership) with CP Training Services

Using our 4 Pillars of Learning, the IOE&IT qualifications offer students the opportunity to apply their learning to their current employer, or a business that they know well:

Learning Pillar 1: World Business Environment Learning Pillar 2: Market Research & marketing / selling in a different culture Learning Pillar 3: Finance of international trade, getting paid and how foreign exchange works Learning Pillar 4: Compliance, regulations and logistics OR Selling services overseas

As part of IOE&IT qualifications, students will plan, research and implement a work-based project that will act as a useful strategic management tool in each of the main topics they study. Each paper will produce a useful piece of work based on the company’s own product or offering which allows the student to gain new knowledge to be useful in the business. This style of work-based projects ensures that all study is relevant to the student’s business context. Working on these projects using the organisation’s structure provides excellent opportunities for the student to apply theoretical ideas in real world contexts.

The employee will essentially become a practitioner-researcher to undertake each project, producing pieces of work with the potential to yield tangible benefits for the sponsor business – a benefit for both the student who qualifies and the employer who has a set of reports specifically about exporting and their own business.

*International Trade Logistic Operations is delivered through our approved centres

the british embassy baku maintains and develops relations between the uK and Azerbaijan. Find out more on their uK and Azerbaijan news page, here: https://www.gov.uk/world/azerbaijan. The British embassy Baku’s work covers a range of issues including democracy, an open market-based economy and effective governance structures. They liaise with the Azerbaijani Government and Institutions on behalf of uK institutions and government departments, and support the uK’s international priorities.

The British embassy Baku provide services to British nationals living in and visiting Azerbaijan. You can access uK Government services while in Azerbaijan here: https://www.gov.uk/world/azerbaijan.

urgent assistance If you are in Azerbaijan and you need urgent help (for example, you have been attacked, arrested or someone has died), call +994 12 4377878. If you are in the uK and worried about a British national in Azerbaijan, call 020 7008 1500. get an emergency travel document You can apply for an emergency travel document if you are abroad and your passport has been lost or stolen, damaged or expired, and you cannot get a new or replacement passport in time to travel, here: https://www.gov.uk/emergencytravel-document.

If the person needing the emergency travel document is under 16, a parent or guardian should apply on their behalf.

If you are due to travel in the next 24 hours, contact the British embassy Baku as soon as possible, here: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/ british-embassy-baku#contact-us.

If you are travelling in more than 3 weeks, check if you can get a new or replacement passport in time to travel, here: https://www.gov.uk/renew-adultpassport.

if you are not a british citizen or have not had a british passport before If you are not sure, check if you are a British citizen here: https://www.gov.uk/ check-british-citizenship.

If you are not a British citizen but think you may be eligible, contact the British embassy Baku to apply for an emergency travel document, here: https:// www.gov.uk/world/organisations/britishembassy-baku#contact-us. other consular services notarial and documentary services The British embassy Baku may be able to offer notarial services, including make a certified copy of a document and administer an oath, affirmation or affidavit. See the full list of notarial and documentary services they provide, here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ notarial-and-documentary-servicesguide-for-azerbaijan. legalisation services The embassy provides legalisation services. read their notarial and documentary services page for more information on legalisation, here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/notarialand-documentary-services-guide-forazerbaijan.

consular fees The British embassy Baku charge fees for some of their services. See the full list of consular fees in Azerbaijan, here: https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/azerbaijan-consular-fees. contact details british embassy baku 45 Khagani Street Az1010 Baku Azerbaijan email: generalenquiries.baku@fco.gov.uk telephone: + 994 (12) 4377878 Fax: + 994 (12) 4977434 oﬃce hours: Monday to Friday 5am - 1pm GMT 9am - 5pm local Time

suPPorting orGAnISATIonS

the institute of export & international trade

the institute of export & international trade export house Minerva Business Park lynch Wood Peterborough Pe2 6FT, uK T: +44 (0) 1733 404400 www.export.org.uk

department for international trade (dit)

department for international trade (dit) If you have a specific enquiry about the Azerbaijan market which is not addressed by the information in this guide, you may contact:

email: enquiries@trade.gov.uk enquiries: +44 (0)20 7215 5000

otherwise contact DIT at the British embassy Baku directly, for more information and advice on opportunities for doing business in Azerbaijan:

uK department for international trade baku British embassy 45 Khagani Street Baku Az1010 Azerbaijan

e: DIT.Azerbaijan@fco.gov.uk T: +994 (12) 4377878

Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App

uK export Finance is the uK’s export credit agency. uKeF’s mission is to ensure that no viable uK export fails for lack of finance or insurance from the private sector, while operating at no net cost to the taxpayer.

We help uK companies of all sizes and in all sectors win, fulfil and get paid for export contracts. We provide insurance to exporters and guarantees to banks to share the risks of providing export finance. In addition, we can make loans to overseas buyers of goods and services from the uK.

suPPorting orGAnISATIonS

uK export Finance

As the world's first export credit agency, established in 1919, we've been innovating since day one. •

• •

last year, we provided £2.5 billion of support for uK exports, helping 191 companies sell to 75 markets around the world. 77% of all companies we supported were small to medium-sized businesses.

We also lent £666 million directly to overseas buyers to help them buy from the uK more than double the amount for 2016 to 2017.

new business enquiries: To check your eligibility for trade finance and insurance: Visit: www.great.gov.uk/get-finance T: +44 (0) 20 7271 8010

e: customer.service@ukexport finance.gov.uk www.Azerbaijan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

suPPorting orGAnISATIonS

british business group Azerbaijan (bbg)

s t

british business group Azerbaijan (bbg) john Patterson oBe chairman British Business Group Azerbaijan Tel: +994 12 492 8173 Mob: +994 50 213 2267 chairman@bbgaz.co.uk www.bbgaz.co.uk

Membership Membership Secretary membership@bbgaz.co.uk

british expertise

british expertise 23 Grafton Street london W1S 4eY

T: +44 (0) 20 7824 1920 F: +44 (0) 20 7824 1929

www.britishexpertise.org

E +

language services

Ast language services ltd unit 8, Ayr Street, nottingham nG7 4Fx united Kingdom T: +44 (0) 115 970 5633 F: +44 (0) 845 051 8780 e: office@astls.co.uk

www.astlanguage.com

Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App

Ace ForwArding Green city complex 2nd Floor Salyan highway 14km Baku Az1023 Azerbaijan T: + (99412) 5651890/1/2/3/4 F: + (99412) 5651895

MArKet exPerTS

shipping

e: office@acecaspian.com www.acecaspian.com

law

baku consulting group-2011 llc Azerbaijan, Baku, Az1014 56A, Bul-Bul Avenue, 4th Floor T: (+99412) 497 89 65/66 F: (+99412) 497 89 66 e: info@bacg.az www.bacg.az

Director: Dadash r. Alishov honorary legal Adviser to the British Ambassador

engineering

rapid solutions 93, zarifa Aliyeva Str 3rd floor Baku Az1000, Azerbaijan T: (+994 12) 497 77 70

e: enquiries@rsl.az www.rapid-solutions.net

www.linkedin.com/company/ rapid-solutions-ltd/

www.Azerbaijan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

trade shows

A trade show is a method of promoting a business through the exhibition of goods and services, an organised exhibition of products, based on a central theme, where manufacturers meet to show their products to potential buyers.

Taking part in overseas exhibitions is an effective way for you to test markets, attract customers, appoint agents or distributors and make sales. DIT's Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) provides grant support for eligible SMe firms to attend trade shows overseas. Participation is usually as part of a group, a great advantage for inexperienced businesses, and is usually led by one of DIT's Accredited Trade Associations (ATos). ATos work with DIT to raise the profile of uK groups and sectors at key exhibitions.

For more information visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tradeshow-access-programme.

ioe&itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s events: www.export.org.uk/events/event_ list.asp 10 times (formerly BizTradeShows.com): www.10times.com/azerbaijan british expertise events: https://www.britishexpertise.org/ events/ eventseye.com online database: www.eventseye.com dit online events search facility: https://www.events.great.gov.uk/ ehome/index.php?eventid=20018 3029& www.Azerbaijan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

useful links country information:

export ďŹ nance & insurance:

BBc Website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/country_ profiles/default.stm

British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA): www.biba.org.uk

Fco country Profile: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-traveladvice/azerbaijan

uK export Finance (formerly ecGD): www.gov.uk/government/organisations /uk-export-finance

culture & communications: Icc â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The international language association: http://www.icc-languages.eu/ customs & regulations: hM revenue & customs: https://www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/hm-revenue-customs

intellectual Property: Intellectual Property office: https://www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/intellectual-property-office World Intellectual Property organization (WIPo): http://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/text.jsp? file_id=288514 standards & technical regulations:

economic information: The economist: https://www.economist.com/topics Trading economics: www.tradingeconomics.com export control: export control joint unit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ beginners-guide-to-export-controls

British Standards Institution (BSI): https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/ industries-and-sectors/import-export/ export control joint unit (ecju): https://www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/export-control-organisation Intellectual Property office: https://www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/intellectual-property-office national Physical laboratory: http://www.npl.co.uk/

Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App

trade statistics: hM revenue and customs (hMrc): https://www.uktradeinfo.com/statistics/ buildyourowntables/pages/table.aspx national Statistics Information: https://www.gov.uk/search/researchand-statistics?content_store_document_ type=upcoming_statistics office for national Statistics: http://www.ons.gov.uk/

TravelhealthPro: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries nhS (Scotland): http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/ destinations.aspx nhS choices: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/ healthcare-abroad/ international trade: British chambers of commerce (Bcc): www.britishchambers.org.uk

trade shows: British expertise events: https://www.britishexpertise.org/events/

British council: www.britishcouncil.org

eventseye.com online database: www.eventseye.com

British expertise: www.britishexpertise.org

DIT events Portal: https://www.events.great.gov.uk/ehome /index.php?eventid=200183029&

British Franchise Association: http://www.thebfa.org/international

travel advice: Fco Travel: www.gov.uk/browse/abroad Fco Foreign Travel Insurance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreigntravel-insurance Healthcare abroad: Travel health: www.travelhealth.co.uk

centre for the Protection of national Infrastructure (cPnI): http://www.cpni.gov.uk/ confederation of British Industry (cBI): www.cbi.org.uk Department for Business, energy & Industrial Strategy (BeIS): https://www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/department-for-businessenergy-and-industrial-strategy

www.Azerbaijan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

Department for International Trade (DIT): https://www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/department-forinternational-trade

organisation for economic co-operation and Development (oecD): http://www.oecd.org/

DIT e-exporting Programme: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/e-exporting

overseas Business risk: https://www.gov.uk/government/ collections/overseas-business-risk

exporting is GreAT: https://www.great.gov.uk/

Transparency International: http://www.transparency.org/

Foreign & commonwealth office (Fco): www.gov.uk/government/organisations /foreign-commonwealth-office

uK Trade Tariff: https://www.gov.uk/trade-tariff

heritage Foundation Index of economic Freedom: https://www.heritage.org/index/ranking Institute of Directors (IoD): www.iod.com Institute of export & International Trade (Ioe&IT): www.export.org.uk International Monetary Fund (IMF): http://www.imf.org/external/index.htm Market Access Database: http://madb.europa.eu/madb/index Publi.htm open to export: http://opentoexport.com/

uK Visas: https://www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration World Bank Group economy rankings: http://www.doingbusiness.org/en/rankings World economic Forum Global competitiveness report: http://reports.weforum.org/globalcompetitiveness-report-2018/ Azerbaijan websites: Azerbaijan embassy, london: http://london.mfa.gov.az/ Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB): http://tourismboard.az/ Azerbaijani Service and Assessment network (ASAn): https://asan.gov.az/en

Visit the Website and download the free Mobile App

central Bank of Azerbaijan: https://www.cbar.az/home?language=en

Ministry of Taxes: http://www.taxes.gov.az/index.php

commonwealth of Independent States (cIS): http://www.cisstat.com/eng/cis.htm

Ministry of Transport, communications and high Technologies: http://www.mincom.gov.az/en/

heydar Aliyev International Airport, Baku: http://airport.az/en/

Ministry of Youth and Sports: http://www.mys.gov.az/

Ministry of culture: http://www.culture.gov.az/en/

President of the republic of Azerbaijan: https://en.president.az/

Ministry of ecology and natural resources: http://www.eco.gov.az/

State customs committee of the republic of Azerbaijan: http://customs.gov.az/en/

Ministry of education: https://edu.gov.az/en

State Migration Service: https://migration.gov.az/

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA): http://mfa.gov.az/en/content/962 Ministry of Internal Affairs: https://www.mia.gov.az/?/en/ mainpage/ Ministry of justice: http://www.justice.gov.az/# Ministry of labour and Social Protection of the Population: http://sosial.gov.az/ Ministry of Public health: http://www.sehiyye.gov.az/

www.Azerbaijan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

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ABOUT US Launched in 2007, Start Up Overseas has become the deﬁnitive online resource for companies who are looking to expand internationally, export products or set up overseas operations. We have all the information you will need to trade in 60 countries.

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disclaimer Whereas every effort has been made to ensure that the information given in this Guide is accurate, neither International Market Advisor (IMA), the Institute of export & International Trade (Ioe&IT), the British embassy Baku, the British Business Group Azerbaijan (BBG), uK export Finance (uKeF), Department for International Trade (DIT), or the Foreign & commonwealth office (Fco), accept liability for any errors, omissions or misleading statements and no warranty is given or responsibility accepted as to the standing of any individual, firm, company or other organisation mentioned.

The purpose of the Doing Business Guides, prepared by International Market Advisor (IMA) is to provide information to help recipients form their own judgments about making business decisions as to whether to invest or operate in a particular country. The report's contents were believed (at the time that the report was prepared) to be reliable, but no representations or warranties, express or implied, are made or given by IMA, the Ioe&IT, the British embassy Baku, the British Business Group Azerbaijan (BBG), uKeF, DIT or the Foreign and commonwealth office (Fco) as to the accuracy of the report, its completeness or its suitability for any purpose.

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In particular, none of the report's contents should be construed as advice or solicitation to purchase or sell securities, commodities or any other form of financial instrument. no liability is accepted by IMA, Ioe&IT, the British embassy Baku, the British Business Group Azerbaijan (BBG), uKeF, DIT, or the Fco for any loss or damage (whether consequential or otherwise) which may arise out of or in connection with the report. no warranty is given, or responsibility accepted as to the standing of any individual, firm, company or other organisation mentioned.

contains public sector information licensed under the open Government licence v3.0.

www.Azerbaijan.DoingBusinessGuide.co.uk

Quick facts Location: Southwestern Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran and Russia, with a small European portion north of the Caucasus range Area: 86,600 km2 Population: 9.9 million Urban population: 55.3% Capital city: Baku GDP per capita: US $4,569.2 Languages: Azerbaijani (Azeri) (official) 92.5%, Russian 1.4%, Armenian 1.4%, other 4.7% (2009 est.) Religions: Muslim 96.9% (predominantly Shia), Christian 3%, other <0.1, unaffiliated <0.1 (2010 est.) Government type: presidential republic Legal system: civil law system Currency: Azerbaijani Manat (AZN) Climate: dry, semi-arid steppe Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, non-ferrous metals, bauxite Natural hazards: droughts Time difference: UTC+4 Internet country code: .az National holidays: Republic Day (founding of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan), 28th May (1918) National symbols: flames of fire; national colours: blue, red, green

[Source – FCO Economics Unit, CIA World Factbook (August 2019)]

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